Thousands of believers from various Bulgarian cities gathered in Bachkovo monastery to get a glimpse of the miraculous icon of St Mary.

According to traditions the icon was taken out of the monastery on the morning of April 9, Novinar newspaper reported. A traditional procession took the icon to the Klouviata region. There, a mass is held for all of the believers who decide to travel to the monastery.

The legend said that the icon was taken out of the monastery during the first centuries of the Ottoman rule in Bulgaria. To hide it, monks placed the icon high in the mountain.

The icon was found in the 17th century and returned to the monastery. Though the doors of the church were locked, the icon disappeared. It was later found in the place where it was previously hidden.

Each year, the procession recreates the story and traces the path of the icon. According to beliefs people get cured if they manage to touch the icon during the procession.