The predominant religion in Bulgaria is the version of Catholicism that has survived since earliest times in Eastern Europe – the Orthodox Church. Usually celebrated on a different date to Easter celebrations in the west, the Orthodox Easter is also celebrated with different customs and traditions. After midnight Mass on Easter Sunday, worshippers celebrate outside the churches, carrying candles to symbolise the Resurrection and cracking or smashing eggs which have previously been painted with symbolic patterns and colours. The richly-painted Orthodox Churches are filled with clouds of incense and the singing of choirs at this time, and many rituals are observed, such as kissing the images of saints and processions led by clergy in full regalia.

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