The Masked Men of Bulgaria
Each winter in Bulgaria and other Eastern European countries there is a tradition of dressing up to scare off the evil spirits of winter. These men are the Kukeri, They gather to chant and to ring bells tied to their waist. They wear home-made costumes, some of them passed down the family line. The costumes and bells are very heavy, and can weigh 70kg and more. This ritual has been going on for many centuries.
Even when Bulgaria was communist, this tradition continued. It feeds into a national revival of folk culture that has taken place over last few decades, folk culture and festivals are extremely popular with young and old. For a country of just 7 million people, Bulgaria has a rich cultural heritage that the locals are very proud of.
To see the Kukeri for yourself, visit Bulgaria during the new year to catch them taking part in new year celebrations, or during the two day festival held every February.
Surva festival dates: January 26, 2018 – January 28, 2018
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