International Women’s Day

I figured that International Women's Day would be sort of celebrated like Teacher's Day or Secretary's Day-perhaps and e-card or flower, but not a big deal. And, I was hoping to get some serious work done planning for the the compost kick-off on the 22nd....well... International Women's Day is a big deal and definitely celebrated. Colored paper to make cards from and sweet foods greeted me when I arrived at work. At 1, a banquet in the municipality began. Tables were set up in a horseshoe in the cafeteria (no idea this existed) with cups, juice, wine, salads plates already on the table. The mayor handed every woman a card (made from the colored paper of this morning) and individual potted hyacinths were passed out.  Toasts were made, followed by meat and potatoes (served by men), more toasts, and dancing. I called it a day around 4:30. Trying to be productive... Not that I’m complaining about all the celebrating. I love it, but most of last week was spent on other things, in Sofia, Baba Marta Day, translating carpet weaving instructions, and traveling to Lom for a package. Meanwhile, the date of the big service project I signed us up for is quickly approaching. 

International Women’s Day originated as a Socialist political event, but has since evolved into sort of a mix of Mother's Day and Valentine's Day-a day for women to be appreciated and thanked. It’s considered pretty important here-the municipality more or less took an afternoon off and paid for a banquet and gifts. I was talking about it with a friend afterwards and asked if there was an international men’s day as well. She answered no, this is a day just for women, everyday is man’s day. It makes me happy to see women celebrated. The women I know work incredibly hard-they take care of the housework, the cooking, children, grandchildren, and are often the primary breadwinners.