Saint Nicholas Day Since Nikoljdan always falls in the fasting period preceding Christmas, it is celebrated according to the Eastern Orthodox fasting rules ("Post"). Fasting refers in this context to the eating of a restricted diet for reasons of religion. This entails the complete avoidance of animal-sourced food products (meat, milk, dairy products and eggs). Fish may be eaten on certain days In Bulgaria, Saint Nicholas Day is celebrated on the 6 December as "Nikulden". Families invite relatives, sponsors and neighbors for a meal of fish (usually "ribnik", a carp wrapped in dough) and two loaves of ceremonial bread, all of which are
Culture of Upper Reka next celebration to follow was "Shnkrysh" ("Lartësimi i Kryqit" or "Ngritja e Kryqit" and "Ngadhënjimi i Kryqit të Shenjtë") or Feast of the Cross that falls six weeks before the Day of "Shmitr" ("Shën Dhimitër/Mitër") or St. Demetrius. It is known as a day of rest with similar customs to "Shingjergj" occurring, along with "hallva" being consumed. St. Demetrius is the village patron saint of Volkovija and Nistrovo, while St. Michael of Krakornica village. Other holidays celebrated are the Day of "Shnkol" ("Shën Nikolla/Koll") or St. Nicholas and "Blagavesht" ("Ungjillëzimi i Hyjlindëses Mari/Mëri") or the Annunciation which was also known