Bulgarian People
What Are They Like?

Grand and honest traditions are hallmarks of the Bulgarian people.

This traditionalist ideal is clearly seen in solid family ties, which remain very strong. It is not uncommon to find as many as three generations sharing the same home.

In most villages, Bulgarians grow their own vegetables for family recipes. It is common practice among many Bulgarian people to keep livestock such as hens, geese, turkeys, pigs, goats, and cows.

Many Bulgarians also own private vineyards. These small estates provide the fruit needed to make wine and rakiya (a homemade brandy prepared from grapes and other fruits). These regional brews are kept in casks in their cellars and drunk during the cold winter season.

• You will find that hospitality is one of the distinctive qualities of Bulgarian people. Do not be surprised if you find Bulgarians readily helpful and friendly.

• Bulgarian people are also industrious and ambitious. Many have been successful in setting up international business interests and many have professional careers.

• You'll notice the older generation among Bulgarian people usually have a stern appearance, and one can only presume this is due to the emotional scars communism left behind. It is common for many older Bulgarians to hold fast to the belief that communism was superior to a free market economy. They will also say the younger generation have lost the closeness they used to have when they were under communist rule.

During communism everyone was treated equally, wages were standard among everyone, and there was no competition with each other. From the perspective, of those who survived communism it would appear that a new generation of Bulgarian people seem to be spending less time with each other because of the demands of being part of a free market economy.

Unfortunately, older Bulgarians cannot communicate in English, as the Russian language was primarily taught as a second language during communist rule, so they don’t understand the western mindset. Meanwhile, a younger generation of Bulgarians seem to thrive on the potential of capitalism.

Bulgarian people are very self reliant and do not find it a burden to repair things around the home. Bulgarians fix everything themselves, even rolling up their sleeves to fix their own cars.

When you are invited to a Bulgarian home it is important to remember that it is common courtesy to provide a simple gift for your host and hostess. Gifts may be as simple as flowers for the lady and wine for the gentleman.

It is also common courtesy to remove your shoes when you enter the house of a Bulgarian family.

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