Of Cassocks and Jet Skis: A Bulgarian Beach Blessing

On the sandy shores of the Black Sea, ancient Orthodox rituals meet modern summer tourism in a surreal display of faith.

Nesebar's beachfront amusement strip in full summer swing

Lazy summer morning on the beach in Sozopol, Bulgaria

Sunset evening along Sozopol's Black Sea waterfront

Busy summer morning on the Black Sea coast in Burgas

Up close with parrots and exotic birds at Burgas Aviary

Golden hour at the Burgas Sea Garden pier

Nesebar's Sunny Beach buzzes on a summer night

Summer morning at Burgas beach on the Black Sea

Summer pool day at a Burgas beach resort

Traditional Bulgarian folk music performance draws crowd in Burgas

Evening stroll captures illuminated Burgas city center with families

Casual afternoon at a craft beer park in Burgas

Family's quiet afternoon documented through selfies, child's play in Burgas

Getting ready and heading out in Burgas, Bulgaria

Summer morning unfolds at popular Bulgarian Black Sea beach

Anonymous witness documents daily life across Burgas, Bulgaria

Vacation morning selfies from a Burgas hotel room

Outdoor lunch at a decorated restaurant in Nesebar, Bulgaria

Lazy beach morning in Burgas, jet ski on the shore

Summer day at Burgas pool and Black Sea beach

Beach day in Burgas, Bulgaria along Black Sea coast

Burgas city center buzzing around a Giro d'Italia send-off event

Quiet afternoon at home in Burgas with a dog and a kid

Family documents afternoon together in Burgas with selfies, child

Family captures sunset photos overlooking Burgas port city

Summer festival fills Burgas city center on a July evening

Sunny beach day at Atiya, Bulgaria — swimming, windsurfing, selfies

Summer evening on Burgas's pedestrian strip, Black Sea coast

Mother and child share afternoon playtime in Burgas courtyard

Casual in-car moments during a morning drive through Burgas

Burgas seafront promenade comes alive on a summer evening

Burgas Sea Garden Ferris wheel, day to night

Summer day in Burgas: apartment selfies and a kid in pink

Car selfies in Burgas with a child in tow

Burgas resident documents city views and Yorkshire Terrier moments

Morning outing in Burgas, car ride and a quick stop

Casual afternoon around an apartment in Burgas, Bulgaria

Children's celebration event held at Burgas kindergarten

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Double rainbow over Burgas cityscape with indoor glimpses

Family documents casual afternoon moments through selfies in Burgas

Getting-ready selfies from a Burgas bedroom, all-black outfit