Baba Marta

Baba Marta folklore is also present in southeastern Serbia, namely in the municipalities of Bosilegrad and Dimitrovgrad, where there is a majority ethnic Bulgarian population living there.

The tradition of giving friends red-and-white interwoven strings brings health and happiness during the year and is a reminder that spring is near.

Baba Marta ("Grandma March") is believed to be a feisty lady who always seems to be grudging at her two brothers, January and February, while the sun only comes out when she smiles.

Martenitsi are red and white coloured bands or figurines that symbolise health and happiness, a lucky charm against evil spirits.

Some people then tie their martenitsa to a tree, others place it under a rock and based on what they find there the next morning guess what kind of a year this one would be.