July Morning

"July Morning" is a distinctive Bulgarian festival celebrated annually on the night of June 30th and the morning of July 1st. What makes this event unique is that people from all over Bulgaria converge on the Black Sea coast to witness the first rays of the July sun. They gather around bonfires, play music, and eagerly await the sunrise together. This tradition has spread to various locations along the coast, but attempts to commercialize it have largely failed due to the decentralized nature of the celebrations.

The festival derives its name from the 1971 hit song "July Morning" by the British rock band Uriah Heep, which gained popularity in Bulgaria during the 1980s. For many, the festival symbolizes new beginnings, freedom, and the kickoff of the summer vacation season. Some also associate it with ancient sun worship and midsummer night rituals in Bulgarian culture.

"July Morning" began in the 1980s as a subtle form of protest against the Communist regime in Bulgaria. Young people embraced the ideals of the hippie movement through rock music, and the song "July Morning" became the centerpiece of the festival. It was a way for them to resist and challenge the authorities, defying strict regulations and societal norms. At that time, Bulgaria had limited access to Western music, which is why songs like "July Morning" gained popularity later than in other countries.