In Bulgaria, the Christmas carolers who visit houses are called koledari.
Koledari are traditionally groups of young men who go from house to house during the Bulgarian Christmas season, singing ritual songs and offering wishes for health, prosperity, and happiness. Their activity is known as koleduvane and follows a strict traditional time window, beginning at midnight on Christmas Eve and ending at dawn.
The custom blends Christian Christmas observance with older Slavic beliefs about protecting the household and encouraging good fortune. The carolers traditionally carry decorated sticks called gegas and wear festive clothing. A senior figure known as the stanenik accompanies or leads the group, while householders reward the singers with food such as gevreks.
Koledari should not be confused with kukeri, masked Bulgarian performers associated with ritual festivals and the driving away of evil spirits. Martenitsi are red-and-white springtime charms, while survakari are linked to New Year customs. The word koledari is also used for related Christmas-caroling traditions elsewhere in the Slavic world, but the Bulgarian house-visiting custom is a particularly well-known example.