Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

Saint Elijah’s Day: one of Bulgaria's most revered summer festivals

Photo: pravoslavieto.com

On 20 July (according to the Gregorian calendar), the Bulgarian Orthodox Church honours the Old Testament prophet Elijah, known in Bulgaria as Sveti Iliya. Celebrated as Ilinden, this day is one of the most venerated summer festivals in Bulgaria and is rich in both Christian and folk traditions.


According to popular legend, when God divided the forces of nature, he entrusted Saint Elijah with summer thunder and lightning. In order to protect the crops from destruction, Saint Elijah rides across the sky in a golden chariot, chasing a mythical dragon that feeds on the ripening wheat. The lightning that we see, according to old tales, comes from the fire that bursts from the nostrils and hooves of his celestial horses, or from the fiery arrows that he hurls at the dragon.


The Bulgarian people have long revered him not only as a biblical prophet, but also as a powerful figure capable of performing miracles in moments of anger or joy. Affectionate titles given to him include Thunderer, Breaker of Storms and Thunder-Feller, reflecting his dominion over the skies.


Saint Elijah is also honoured as the patron saint of leatherworkers, furriers, saddle-makers, roof-tile makers and firefighters, all of whom mark this day with special celebrations. Those who bear his name, such as Iliya, Iliyan, Iliyana, Ilinda, Ilka, Ilko, Ilcho, Lina and Linda, also celebrate the holiday.




Text: Yoan Kolev

Editor: Elena Karkalanova
Posted in English by E. Radkova




Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Exhibition in Sozopol showcases monuments from ancient cities around the Black Sea

A trilingual exhibition titled “Egyptian Cults around the Black Sea” opens today at 6 PM at the Archaeological Museum in Sozopol , according to BNR – Burgas. Part of an international research project, the exhibition is organized by the Institute of..

published on 8/7/25 5:55 PM
The building of the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Orthodox church

Bulgarian Orthodox Church calls for vigilance against self-proclaimed spiritual leaders

The Bulgarian Orthodox Church has issued an official statement on “pagan neo-Hindu propaganda with pseudo-Christian elements”. The bishops of the Bulgarian Orthodox Church call for greater vigilance against “touring gurus, self-proclaimed “spiritual..

published on 8/7/25 10:14 AM

The restored second male statue from ancient city of Heraclea Sintica officially presented

Our lands are the cradle of ancient civilizations. Thanks to Bulgarian archaeologists, they are becoming known to the general public, said Prime Minister Rosen Zhelyazkov at the presentation in Sofia of the restored statue of a man from the ancient..

published on 8/6/25 9:07 AM