06 December - Nikulden

Nikulden is "The Day of Saint Nikolas" - a great winter festival celebrated by all Bulgarians on December Sixth. It is the name day for everyone named Nikola, Nikolay, Kolyo, Nikolina, Neno, Nenka, Nikolina or Nina.
Saint Nikolas is believed to help all the sailors and fishermen. He was born during the third century in Patara.
He is the master of the entire submarine realm - fish and water demons - as well as the sea winds. The autumn fishing season ends on this day. The day's catch is to be offered to the saint. Fishermen eat the first fish caught right on the shore, before bringing the rest home.

According to the folk-Christian myths, it is Saint Nikolas who makes the winds rage and cease. Saint Nikolas can walk on the seas and whenever there is a ship in trouble, he would save it. Saint Nikolas is the protector of sailors and fishermen, the patron not only of those who bear his name, he is also a personal or family protector.
The traditional Nikulden meal in each household is based upon a fish dish - “ribnik” - a carp in dough - is traditional for the holiday. Carp is regarded as Nikolas' servant.