A martenitsa is a small, decorative ornament made of twisted red and white threads, traditionally exchanged in Bulgaria and other Balkan countries on March 1st to celebrate the arrival of spring.
Every year on March 1st, a huge martenitsa, more than 30 meters long and 4 meters wide, is lowered onto the cliffs opposite Lakatnik station. The members of the Lakatnik Mountain Rescue Squad and the “Repey” Tourist Association - Lakatnik are responsible for hanging it. The event is an annual tradition and has been held every year since 2018.
Details
The initial idea belongs to Yordanka Todorova, a resident of Gara Lakatnik. She also crafted the first martenitsa herself, sewing it from white and red fabric. Subsequently, the martenitsa is made from vinyl. The material is more durable and the martenitsa is more long-lasting and resistant to weather conditions
The giant martenitsa remains on the rocks for nearly a month. The martenitsa can be seen from almost the entire village and from the trains passing through Lakatnik station.
