July morning (01.07)

"July Morning" (the name coming from the song of "Uriah Heep" 1971) is a unique informal holiday celebrated only in Bulgaria. It consists in meeting of the first July sunrise on the sea-beach. Over time, "July Morning" becomе more and more popular among the young people and the places for its celebration already spread not only along the sea-coast, but also in most major cities of the country, on the river-sides and hills which has good visibility to the east - from the where sun rises.

The event starts usually in the previous night and is accompanied by a lot of rock music and songs (usually pretty alcohol, too) to the supreme moment - appearance of the first sun rays.

According to the all who have been there ever, the experience is unique and it is difficult to explain the energy, but at the same time the calm and the balance which fill the soul, in the moment when the sun appeared and the new day is born.

The celebration occurred ever since socialist times and was considered hippie event. There is no connection with pagan or religious rituals. By "July Morning" the participants seek their spirit freedom and want to express a protest against the system (in general, not only the socialistic). The appearance of the sun symbolizes a new beginning and at that moment the man is able to feel how insignificant and small are the everyday problems. The sunrise gives energy and allows us to escape the problems of everyday life.

Most established place to meet July morning remains Kamen Bryag. For years the celebration here is pretty organized. There is a scene where play many famous and lesser-known rock-bands. Regularly, in recent years, here presents also the legend from Uriah Heep band - John Lawton, who performed their song during the sunrise.