Saturday is the first day of the traditional Christmas celebrations in Bulgaria.

They begin on December 24, the last day of the Orthodox fast, when Bulgarians typically have Christmas Eve dinner with their family and relatives, and last until December 27, which is the feast day of St. Stephen.

On Christmas Eve Bulgarians eat only vegan dishes (just like during the fast), which have to be an odd number, usually 5, 7, 9 or 11. Traditional meals include beans, stuffed peppers with rice or beans, grape leaves stuffed with rise, pumpkin dishes and traditional Christmas bread...