July Morning
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In Bulgaria, there is a tradition called July Morning (Bulgarian: Джулай Морнинг) as an echo from the hippie era of the 1970-1980s. People from across the country travel (often hitchhiking) to the Black Sea coast on the night of June 30 to meet the first sun rays on the 1st of July. British rock band Uriah Heep's 1971 hit July Morning is the main refrain.
Although the tradition was emotionally linked to the hippie movement in America, it is still popular in Bulgaria. It is probably not observed anywhere else, because of its specific role as a subtle protest during communist times. "Official" celebrations started in Varna in 1986. It is argued that arose as a protest against the communist government, expressed in the symbolism of the title track of Uriah Heep. The symbolic meeting the sunrise was like welcoming a new beginning and a better future for the initial participants. In recent years have spread to Kamen Bryag, Kavarna, Shkorpilovtsi, Irakli, Burgas, Sozopol, Varvara[disambiguation needed 
], Ahtopol, Chernomorets as well as the whole Bulgarian Black Sea coast. Initially, celebrants gathered on Pier 1 in Port of Varna East; now the vigil takes place on beaches as well.
Some argue that the tradition has lost its original meaning over time. Also, younger people do not necessarily know under what circumstances it was started or even who the author of the song was (namely, Uriah Heep). In Bulgaria, the sea is associated in the first place with summer vacation and good time, and July 1 is about when vacation starts for most high schools and colleges.
The feeling of elation from the first morning sun rays as a symbol of a new beginning in life, however, is still the main reason people observe the celebration. July Morning may be related to sun worship (see also Peter Deunov) and to midsummer night rites popular throughout Bulgarian lands from time immemorial. It is believed that the best way to experience July Morning is to retreat with a few friends to one of the quiet beaches on the Black Sea facing east.
