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About Patalenitza

 

People, occupation, holidays

 

 

Tobacco growing is the main source of income in Patalenitza

  
The population of Patalenitza is of Bulgarian descent. Its population comprises of medieval Patalenitza and Bulgarians from lowland villages, who sought a quiet life in the mountain. In 18th century settlers from Macedonia, Shopluka and other places came, too. 50% of the population of Batkun are natives – perhaps descendants of the medieval population. After the Liberation, before the Balkan War and after Between Allied War, Macedonian Bulgarians, refugees from Sersko and Dramsko settled down here. The last census estimated 1519 inhabitants, but the real number of the people living in the village is 2000. According to Stefan Zahariev during the Ottoman occupation people in Patalenitza used to be carpenters, stockbreeders and farmers, and people in Batkun – charcoal-burners, carpenters and farmers. In lowlands rice was grown as well as grapevines. At that time (until the beginning of 20th century) there were rose gardens on an area of 150-200 decares. The region abounded in walnut trees that gave a lot
of harvest. Mulberry trees were grown to be used in the silk industry. After World War First tobacco – growing was developed thanks to appropriate climatic conditions.
Today the village owns 12000 decares of land. Tobacco - growing is the main source of income. Wheat and maize are also grown. There are alfalfa lawns, too. People deal with stockbreeding. They raise cows, sheep and goats. A lot of families own donkeys and horses.
Even today people like talking about customs in the past. In general symbols and rituals of church feasts are like those across the country. St Yordan’s day, St Todor’s day and St George’s day(the biggest spring Bulgarian feasts) are the most honourable.
The votive lamb has to be male, white and the oldest man in the family holds the ritual. The oldest woman applies some bloodof the lamb on children’s foreheads to bring health.
  
Some meat, bread and milk are given away to neighbours and afterwards the family has lunch. On that day single males hang swings and girls swing. People around use nettle to make them say their

The votive lamb baking, which is made on the street, is typical in Patalenitza

  
lover's names. In the evening all men called George have guests at home.
Years ago everybody in the village went to have a meal and enjoy in a place called Georgyova cherkva. Now the chapel of St George is there.
Roasting lambs is a typical custom. 10 to 15 lambs are roasted in pits on the street. The whole family sits at the table. A lot of guests and people of the media come to the village on this day.
On St Peter’s day pilgrims from the whole district come to the fair in St Peter and Pavel Monastery. The fair in Patalenitza is on 27th July, St Pantaleymon’s day. There is a fair in Batkun, too. It is on 15th August, the day of the Assumption.