The legend says that nearly 40 years ago, a group of young people from Varna decided to gather on the beach all night and wait for the first July sunrise.
That’s the beginning of this interesting Bulgarian Black sea summer tradition, and since that time continues every year attracting the most diverse people that for one night gather together expecting for the sun to rise. the tradition culminates with the first sun rays when is play the beautiful song of Uriah Heep – “July Morning“ It is the third track of their 1971 album Look at Yourself, and all the symbols of the new beginning, and the hope.
On many locations, there are concerts with professional and amateur bands. Camping at the locations of choice for the July Morning celebration is also very popular.
Initially, celebrants gathered on Pier 1 in Port of Varna East; now the vigil takes place on beaches as well. In recent years, it has spread to Kamen Bryag, Kavarna, Shkorpilovtsi, Irakli, Burgas, Sozopol, Varvara, Ahtopol, Chernomorets as well as the whole Bulgarian Black Sea coast.
There were many attempts to commercialize the tradition by various parties – municipal authorities, concert promoters, etc. – trying to organize July Morning festivals and specials. All such attempts failed, possibly due to the lack of a single location of celebrations.
Most recently, in 2012 some 12,000 people met the sunrise at Kamen Bryag where the song July Morning was performed by ex-Uriah Heep’s singer John Lawton.
Then if you are in Bulgaria during this that call your friends and prepare yourself to celebrate July Morning!
Source: https://t.ly/hOBT
