Bulgarian children took to the streets in colourful and embroidered masks today as the country celebrated the arrival of spring with centuries-old traditions . Blagoveshtenie , or 'Annunciation ' , is one of the most important Christian holidays and the Balkan country spares no effort to keep its traditions alive . According to the Holy Script , on 25 March , nine months before the birth of Jesus Christ , the Archangel Gabriel came to the the Virgin Mary and told her that she would become mother to the Son of God . Children showed off their colourful and embroidered masks at an event in the city of Varna as Bulgarians celebrated the arrival of spring . Blagoveshtenie , or 'Annunciation ' , is one of the most important Christian holidays , with many events taking place across Bulgaria . It celebrates the day the Archangel Gabriel came to the the Virgin Mary and told her that she would become mother to the Son of God . In Bulgaria the celebration is known Blagoveshtenie , meaning 'Sweet News , ' and it is also known as Annunciation or Lady Day . Bulgarians also celebrate the traditional holiday Blagovets , which has its roots in the national folklore . It had several meanings developed into a complex system of omens and beliefs . Children wore animal fur masks and danced as they scared away the 'evil spirits ' during the Christian Orthodox holiday in the town of Varna , east of the capital Sofia . The celebration dates back to the seventh century . In the traditional conception this day is associated with the arrival of the migratory birds and with the final springtime awakening of nature . The masks and bells are said to warn off evil spirits that take the form of snakes and lizards . In Bulgaria the celebration is known Blagoveshtenie , meaning 'Sweet News , ' and it is also known as Annunciation or Lady Day . Bulgarians also celebrate the traditional holiday Blagovets , which has its roots in the national folklore . Adults and children come out in force , ensuring they are both well fed and have money in their pockets during the celebrations . This is said to bring good luck for the year . Trees are planted , and beehives are opened so that the bees can be free to make sweet honey for the locals . Girls can get their ears pierced on this day , as common belief is that all poison and infection is rendered useless on Blagoveshtenie . The evil spirits are said to be in the form of snakes and lizards who emerge on this day . Rituals take place , fires are burnt and the houses are cleaned to banish these negatives . Rituals are performed throughout Bulgaria to ward off evil spirits and promote positivity for the rest of the year . Girls can get their ears pierced on this day , as common belief is that all poison and infection is useless on Blagoveshtenie . Rituals take place , fires are burnt and the houses are cleaned to banish 'evil spirits ' which take the form of snakes and lizards .
Blagoveshtenie , or 'Annunciation ' , is a major the Christian Orthodox holiday with celebrations across Bulgaria . It recognises the time when the Angel Gabrial told the Virgin Mary she would be mother to Son of God . In addition to the spring season , celebrations welcome the migrating birds , trees and nature .