St. Cyril and St. Methodius

The days of the brothers St. Cyril (February 14) and St. Methodius (April 6) are first mentioned in the oldest Bulgarian written books, preserved until today. The earliest written evidence of their mutual holiday – May 11, is dated back to the XII century. This date has been officially celebrated ever after as the day of the two holly brothers, and in the years of Bulgarian Revival became a public festival. In 1857, the regular celebration of this day started in the towns of Plovdiv, Tzarigrad, Shoumen and Lom. The first celebration was organized by Naiden Gerov in Plovdiv. Nowadays, May 11 is celebrated as the religious holiday of the St. Cyril and St. Methodius. May 11 is also the day of the town of Shoumen. On this day, the Drumevi theatrical holidays “New Bulgarian Drama” are officially opened in Shoumen.