HOME

St. Nicholas Day in Sozopol: US Army Soldiers observe local Bulgarian tradition

By Spc. Osvaldo FuentesDecember 13, 2021

A Bulgarian citizen throws a wreath into the Black Sea in Sozopol, Bulgaria, December 6, 2021. Locals gather every year to celebrate St. Nicholas Day with a procession, wreath ceremony, and feast on traditional Bulgarian fish foods. Wreaths are tossed to honor the lives lost to the Black Sea. The U.S. is honored to continue our long-term cooperation with this strategic ally that continues to demonstrate leadership from the Black Sea region to the Balkans region.
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – A Bulgarian citizen throws a wreath into the Black Sea in Sozopol, Bulgaria, December 6, 2021. Locals gather every year to celebrate St. Nicholas Day with a procession, wreath ceremony, and feast on traditional Bulgarian fish foods. Wreaths are tossed to honor the lives lost to the Black Sea. The U.S. is honored to continue our long-term cooperation with this strategic ally that continues to demonstrate leadership from the Black Sea region to the Balkans region. (Photo Credit: Spc. Osvaldo Fuentes) VIEW ORIGINAL
The port of Sozopol, Bulgaria during a wreath-dropping ceremony on December 6, 2021. Locals gather every year to celebrate St. Nicholas Day with a procession, wreath ceremony, and feast on traditional Bulgarian fish foods. Wreaths are tossed to honor the lives lost to the Black Sea. The U.S. is honored to continue our long-term cooperation with this strategic ally that continues to demonstrate leadership from the Black Sea region to the Balkans region.
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – The port of Sozopol, Bulgaria during a wreath-dropping ceremony on December 6, 2021. Locals gather every year to celebrate St. Nicholas Day with a procession, wreath ceremony, and feast on traditional Bulgarian fish foods. Wreaths are tossed to honor the lives lost to the Black Sea. The U.S. is honored to continue our long-term cooperation with this strategic ally that continues to demonstrate leadership from the Black Sea region to the Balkans region. (Photo Credit: Spc. Osvaldo Fuentes) VIEW ORIGINAL

SOZOPOL, Bulgaria - U.S. Army Soldiers with the 415th Civil Affairs Battalion, U.S. Army Reserve, visited Sozopol, Bulgaria, on December 6, 2021, to observe a local tradition.

Locals gather every year to celebrate St. Nicholas Day with a procession, wreath ceremony, and feast of traditional Bulgarian fish foods. St. Nicholas is the patron saint of fishermen and bankers. The wreaths are tossed into the Black Sea to honor those who lost their lives throughout the year.

U.S. Army Spc. Shania Woodhurst, a Sabula, Iowa native, and Staff Sgt. Bryan Paps, a Onsted, Michigan native, with 415th Civil Affairs Battalion, observes a traditional Bulgarian wreath-dropping celebration in Sozopol, Bulgaria, December 6, 2021. Locals gather every year to celebrate St. Nicholas Day with a procession, wreath ceremony and feast on traditional Bulgarian fish foods. Wreaths are tossed to honor the lives lost to the Black Sea. The U.S. is honored to continue our long-term cooperation with this strategic ally that continues to demonstrate leadership from the Black Sea region to the Balkans region.
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – U.S. Army Spc. Shania Woodhurst, a Sabula, Iowa native, and Staff Sgt. Bryan Paps, a Onsted, Michigan native, with 415th Civil Affairs Battalion, observes a traditional Bulgarian wreath-dropping celebration in Sozopol, Bulgaria, December 6, 2021. Locals gather every year to celebrate St. Nicholas Day with a procession, wreath ceremony and feast on traditional Bulgarian fish foods. Wreaths are tossed to honor the lives lost to the Black Sea. The U.S. is honored to continue our long-term cooperation with this strategic ally that continues to demonstrate leadership from the Black Sea region to the Balkans region. (Photo Credit: Spc. Osvaldo Fuentes) VIEW ORIGINAL
A wreath is displayed before being dropped into the Black Sea in Sozopol, Bulgaria, on St. Nicholas Day, December 6, 2021. Locals gather every year to celebrate St. Nicholas Day with a procession, wreath ceremony, and feast on traditional Bulgarian fish foods. Wreaths are tossed to honor the lives lost to the Black Sea. The U.S. is honored to continue our long-term cooperation with this strategic ally that continues to demonstrate leadership from the Black Sea region to the Balkans region.
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – A wreath is displayed before being dropped into the Black Sea in Sozopol, Bulgaria, on St. Nicholas Day, December 6, 2021. Locals gather every year to celebrate St. Nicholas Day with a procession, wreath ceremony, and feast on traditional Bulgarian fish foods. Wreaths are tossed to honor the lives lost to the Black Sea. The U.S. is honored to continue our long-term cooperation with this strategic ally that continues to demonstrate leadership from the Black Sea region to the Balkans region. (Photo Credit: Spc. Osvaldo Fuentes) VIEW ORIGINAL

The U.S. is honored to continue its long-term cooperation and cultural engagements with Bulgaria as a strategic ally that continues to demonstrate leadership from the Black Sea region to the Balkans region. The U.S. appreciates Bulgaria as a steadfast and gracious host to regionally-allocated forces at Novo Selo Training Area, which provides units with premier range facilities, contributing to overall combat readiness of U.S. and allied forces.

U.S. Soldiers currently serving in Bulgaria are doing so as part of Atlantic Resolve, which is evidence of the strong and unremitting U.S. commitment to NATO and Europe. Through bilateral, joint and multinational training, Atlantic Resolve builds readiness, increases interoperability, and enhances the bond between ally and partner militaries.

Learn more about Atlantic Resolve at: https://www.europeafrica.army.mil/AtlanticResolve/

Follow more 415th Civil Affairs Battalion content at: https://www.facebook.com/415CABN

RELATED STORIES