March of Traditions

The month of March is a “break it or make it” month. It is the time when Spring chooses to arrive early or decides to wait a few more weeks before making its appearance. This, of course, had a huge impact on the life of Bulgarians in the past. It was a month to start preparing fields for future harvests or to survive the winter with limited resources. It is no wonder why Bulgaria and my town specifically, the fruit basket of Bulgaria, worship the month.

It starts with Baba Marta. Baba Marta is literally a bipolar old lady who, like every grandmother we know, needs to be appeased in order to bring warm weather. Should the month be cold, a Bulgarian knows it was something they did. The holiday starts on March 1st with the giving and wearing of a red and white bracelet or figurine, signifying fertility, health, happiness and luck. Vendors from all places occupy the center and sell these “martenitsi” in all shapes and sizes, a week or two before the actual holiday. By the end of the day (or the week), one needs space on their jackets and wrists. One needs also to assume that he will wear this until he or she will see a Stork: in my case for a month or so. After which these “martenitsi” are tied around fruit trees as an insurance of sorts for a good harvest.
While that may be all for Bulgaria, my town has another tradition. The weekend of the 21st of March is the towns “zabor” (refer to earlier posts if you have no idea what that is). Appropriate since it is also the start of spring. For 45 years now, the town has symbolically selected Ms. Spring or “Prolet”. My town is already known as the town with the best looking women, such a contest is a wish come true for many girls. Through intense screening process only 14 girls are chosen to compete. The selection of Ms. Prolet takes place on the 21st. Imagine a beauty contest and something like American idol combined. People can text to vote, there are also judges in attendance.
This year I was fortunate to attend such event. Even though I heard a lot regarding this holiday from the first day I came, I could as well have been a recluse and understand something special was going on. You see, a week before the holiday, trucks came roaring past my window only to park across a nearby building. The next few days I saw them set up carnival rides, stands, and exhibitions; all easily seen from my 2nd floor apartment. Soon enough a stage was set up in the town’s center and one by one, people started to show up and enjoy the attractions.
The show opened up with acrobats on stilts dancing with fire. I was already hooked. Next up the contestants, 17-19 year old high school girls showed up wearing prom gowns. At least 3 of whom were my students. I was more than hooked. Judges in attendance included the US ambassador, the Bulgarian deputy ambassador to Russia, and a famous Bulgarian Pop-folk singer. Throughout the evening, the contestants answered questions related to the town and its long history, and wore two more outfits: a cheerleader outfit (no idea why), and a traditional Bulgarian dress. In between rounds, there were comedy sketches, a concert by a famous Pop folk singer “Grafa”, and as the icing on the cake, a concert by an international (Romanian) Pop Star, Andrea Banica. Banica who spoke only English, had a hard time getting the crowds of Babas, Dyados, and others who spoke no English, entertained; though that made her concert even more entertaining. Throughout the concert, she was begging for someone to come up on stage and dance with her. You cannot believe how desperately I wanted to, if it wasn’t for my ambassador and my students, I would have been her 3rd dancer, maybe even had made a career for myself.
In the end, a girl and two of her “maidens” were chosen. Each was given a check, gift certificates, as well as flowers and a bag full of goodies (given to all contestants).
The tradition did not end there. The next day another concert took place, starting with the blessing of the Orthodox church. The three girls took the stage with the last year’s winners. In an official ceremony the town’s symbols of mineral water, bread, and fruit were transferred to this year’s winners. Ms. Prolet 2011 made a short speech wishing everyone a happy and productive spring, and made her traditional trip up to the hills of a local park where a longer speech awaited.

As I write this post, I cannot help but wish to have something similar for my town at home

A few updates for those who care and follow:
My SAT/TOEFL club is a huge success.
I will be going on vacation soon and will have much more to write about.





Start of the Concert:




Round 1:


Round 2:


Round 3:


Andrea Banica:


Winners Announced: