The head of the “New and Latest History” department at the Regional History Museum in Razgrad, Prof. Rositsa Angelova PhD, opened the exhibition “From Saint Nicholas to Santa Claus”. The traveling exposition of the Burgas Museum is presented in the Ethnographic Complex.

“We open an exhibition on December 4, when the Christian church honors the memory of the great martyr Varvara, on the eve of December 5, when the church honors the memory of Saint Sava, and on December 6 – the feast of Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker. The ritual at the beginning of December marks the beginning of the transition from autumn to winter and gives Christians the opportunity to prepare for the bright Christmas holidays”, said Prof. Rositsa Angelova in her speech.

And Nicholas himself is honored by those whom he patronizes: the poor, children, sailors, fishermen, travelers, donors, merchants and bankers.

In a series of information boards, different points of view about St. Nicholas are presented – legends and traditions about him, the holiday ritual, songs and recipes, traditional feasts on Nicholas Day.

“Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker also finds a place in art, that’s why our exhibition includes two author’s icons – by Todor Todorov, director of the Art Gallery in Razgrad, Prof. Angelova pointed out.

She also told how over time Saint Nicholas evolved into the good Santa Claus who gives gifts to children all over the world.

In order for Razgrad to be included in this exhibition, one of the showcases tells about the church “St. Nikolay the Miracleworker”. The artifacts from the fund of RHM-Razgrad are related to the history and activity of the temple from its construction until today. That is why at the opening of the exhibition the special guest was the vicar of the bishops, Father Georgi. He congratulated the organizers for the gesture towards the temple and wished those present health, well-being and a happy welcome to Christmas, which is expected by all Christians around the world!

Also in the hall were Altan Hashimova and Malvina Petkova from the “Culture” department in Razgrad Municipality.

On the eve of Nicholas Day in the Ethnographic Museum, Ivan Ivanov told and showed his passion for fishing.

The exhibition “From Saint Nicholas to Santa Claus” will remain in Razgrad until December 22 and is part of the festive program in the capital of the Ludogorie for Christmas and New Year.

Until then, children are also welcome in the Ethnographic Museum – the Razgrad museum specialists have prepared creative workshops for them with the idea of having fun in addition to the purely informative part of the exhibition. Guided by the museum educator Hristo Hristov, the younger ones catch fish and color, while the older ones make Christmas cards and decorations for the Christmas tree. Children have the opportunity to arrange a puzzle of 220 elements with the face of Saint Nicholas.