Happy Baba Marta!

Today is Baba Marta holiday in Bulgaria. It’s the day to celebrate the coming of spring and health for the future. Everyone walks around giving people bracelets, necklaces, or pins made from red and white string.

At first I was really skeptical about this holiday because I did not like the red and white strings. I even found myself getting annoyed with the vendors spread throughout the center of town with their huge stands blocking the sidewalk. I am not one to collect useless objects that take up space and time. However, after I received my first one I was sold. I felt so special as the random women placed a martinista on my arm and wished me all these wonderful things for the future. Even the lady at the Laundromat (yeah I know I am in the Peace Corps and I get me laundry done at the cleaners) gave me one. Now I have eight on my arms and counting.

Happy Baba Marta!!!! I wish you all love and happiness for the future.