Holy Saturday
Nationwide public holiday in Bulgaria · Велика събота
Dates
| Year | Date | Weekday | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 11 April | Saturday | Nationwide |
| 2027 | 1 May | Saturday | Nationwide |
Where it applies
Everywhere in Bulgaria.
Is it a day off?
Yes. It is an official public holiday, so most employees have the day off. Government offices, schools and many businesses are usually closed; shops, restaurants and public transport may keep reduced hours. Check local announcements for opening times.
Make it longer
Fri 30 Apr – Tue 4 May is a 5-day weekend with no leave needed.
Take Wednesday 5 May off and get 7 days in a row (Fri 30 Apr – Thu 6 May).
Plan more breaks with the leave planner.
Typical weather in Sofia around 1 May: high 18°C (64°F), low 7°C (44°F), rain on 46% of days.
Averages for 2015–2024, 3 days either side of the date, for the area around Sofia. Past averages, not a forecast.
Forecast for Saturday 1 May in Sofia: (MET Norway)
About Holy Saturday
Holy Saturday is the day between Good Friday and Easter Sunday, when Christians remember the time Jesus lay in the tomb. It closes Holy Week. Like other Easter-related days it moves each year, and Western and Orthodox churches often observe it on different dates.
Traditions
In many churches the Easter Vigil or the Resurrection service begins late on Saturday evening or around midnight, often with the lighting of candles. During the day families commonly finish preparing Easter foods, and in some traditions baskets of food are taken to church to be blessed.
Editorial summary by Public Holidays World. Dates on this page come from the data source; customs vary by region and family.
Coming up next in Bulgaria
Sunday, 2 May 2027
Holy Saturday in other countries
Serbia
Vatican City
Belize
Botswana
Chile
El Salvador
Georgia
Guatemala
Honduras
Solomon Islands
South Sudan
Zambia
More for Bulgaria
Holiday dates are for general information and can change. Official government announcements take precedence.