On March 1, Bulgarian artisans once again delight with innovative and artistic martenitsa. Among this year's newest and most original designs are hand-woven flowers that, with a gentle movement, transform into charming miniature dolls.

These unique martenitsa combine traditional elements with contemporary craftsmanship. Each flower is carefully crafted from soft yarn, unfolding to reveal a small doll that symbolizes health and joy. The artisans say Bulgarian folklore inspires these creations.

The creation of handmade martenitsa is an art that requires patience, skill and attention to detail. Preparations for the festival continue throughout the year, intensifying in the last three months. Thousands of martenitsa are produced each year, involving entire families in their production. Traditional designs, such as wristbands and decorations with Pizho and Penda, remain particularly popular.

Velichka Toteva, an experienced martenitsa craftswoman, described this tradition as Bulgaria's most special festival. "According to legend, Baba Marta sweeps away the winter with her broom, opening paths for storks and swallows. I make martenitsa almost all year round. Seeing the finished product brings me a lot of joy. When buyers appreciate my work, this is the greatest reward for me. My family also participates, which teaches them new Bulgarian traditions and customs," she said.

She added that customers request new, distinctive designs every year, including special orders such as gymnast-shaped martenitsa, swallow-shaped martenitsa, and bottles decorated with Bulgarian motifs and figures by Pizho and Penda. Many of these creations find their way to Bulgarians living abroad, reflecting the importance and continuing cultural connection of the tradition.

The tradition of making martenitsa remains alive today, with artisans continuing to create these spring symbols with dedication and attention to detail. According to legend, white symbolizes purity, innocence, longevity, and new beginnings, while red represents health, strength, and vitality.

Belief holds that martenitsa ward off evil spirits, bringing luck and prosperity. They are worn until the wearer sees the first stork, swallow, or flowering tree, after which the martenitsa is tied to a branch, symbolizing health and fertility.

Acting on the basis of a joint application by Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova and the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (now North Macedonia), UNESCO included the spring tradition of martenitsa on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in December 2017./BTA-KosovaPress