There are only a handful of modern traditions in Bulgaria that go beyond the commercial, and July Morning is undoubtedly one of them.
What started as a small act of rebellion during the socialist era has grown into something far more meaningful than simply staring at a sunrise.
What you need to know in order to plan your perfect July Morning
A few days ago, a colleague laughed at me for planning to join the celebrations this year. Apparently, I was about to fall into the “mainstream trap” and become just another sheep doing what everyone else does.
I wasn’t offended – I asked him to do a bit of research. Just a few hours later, he regretted his words.
Here‘s why
The tradition of July Morning (or **“Dzhulaya” as we call it locally) started in the city of Varna back in the 1980s. While it’s loosely connected to the American hippie movement of the ‘60s, it needs to be seen through a different lens.
In the ‘80s, our parents were teenagers living under socialism. They went to mandatory labour brigades, dressed like characters from Orwell’s 1984, and were punished for something as small as having nails that weren’t appropriately trimmed. Freedom of thought? A fantasy.
Meanwhile, a lucky few managed to tune into Radio Free Europe, catching snippets of Western rock music that stirred something in their souls. The rhythm of that music was different – it got under your skin, igniting the connection between heart and mind. And to anyone who’s ever listened to the rock anthems of that era, the everyday oppression and absurdities faded away, if only for a moment.
It was these very people who started July Morning – those who desperately needed to feel they were not alone, even in a world that tried to crush them.
Years later, when the legendary Uriah Heep visited Bulgaria and witnessed the tradition first-hand at Kamen Bryag, their lead singer was moved to tears. There, on the cliffs of Kamen Bryag, the rocks soaked up the tears of emotion from people whose combined wealth surpassed the entire annual GDP of Bulgaria by at least two or three times.
And if you’re still not convinced that joining July Morning is a must, here’s one last argument.
To quote Wikipedia (who, by the way, do a great job explaining it), July Morning today is all about escaping the city, rejecting the status quo, and breaking free from the chains of modern life. It’s about reconnecting with yourself, nature, and the people around you.
So, Where Does It Happen?
Sure, you can celebrate from your own balcony if you like – no one will judge. But the most iconic place to experience July Morning in Bulgaria is on the cliffs of Kamen Bryag, where it all started from. That’s exactly where we’ll be this year.
How much time should you set aside?
If you’re keen to follow in our footsteps (and you don’t live nearby), I strongly recommend setting aside at least three nights to truly immerse yourself in the experience.
- The first night helps you unwind after the journey and settle in.
- The second night is for the main event – July Morning itself.
- The third night lets you recover and prepare for the journey back home.
Where to Stay?
You can’t go wrong with Levana Guest House in the village of Bulgarevo or Guest House Nash Dom (tr. our home) in Kavarna.
Why? Because Krasi (from Levana) and Darina & Milena (from Nash Dom) are some of the kindest, most genuine souls you’ll ever meet. Staying with them is like stumbling upon a small miracle – and trust me, it will feel just like that.
Our personal July Morning itinerary
I’ll share the plan we made for our own trip, but to keep it simple, I won’t mention dates – as anyone reading this in two years will notice, dates and weekdays never quite line up.
Day 1:
8 am: Depart from Sofia.
11 am – 12 pm: Lunch somewhere in Veliko Tarnovo.
1 pm: Continue to Bulgarevo.
5 pm: Settle in, explore the village by bike.
Options:
Day 2:
3:00 am: Rise and prep for sea kayaking.
4:00 am: Launch from Bolata Beach, heading toward the foot of Cape Kaliakra
5:00 am: Welcome the sunrise beneath Cape Kaliakra with your favourite people and the biggest smiles.
The rest of the day?
Chill at Bolata Beach, hop on a boat ride with Krasi, or simply do whatever makes your heart sing.
That evening? Head to Kamen Bryag and get ready for the ultimate July Morning experience.
Day 3
After a night on the cliffs and the sunrise celebration, it’s nap time.
Some of us prefer napping right there on the beach – but hey, everyone knows their limits.
This day is perfect for a stroll to the Yailata Archaeological Reserve or to watch the sunset from Cape Chirakman.
Day 4
For the full Kavarna experience, there’s nothing quite like catching the sunrise from Cape Kaliakra.
Words honestly can’t do it justice – so I’ll let the pictures from previous years speak for themselves.
