Winter in Bulgaria is not just cold—it’s magical, mysterious, and full of ancient traditions. One of the most colorful and lively customs is the Kukeri Festival, where men dress up in animal costumes, wear cowbells, and perform loud, energetic dances.
These dancers, known as kukeri (also called mummers), appear in small towns and villages, mainly in January. Their goal is to chase away evil spirits and bring health, peace, and fertility for the new year. It’s noisy, it’s strange, and it’s one of Bulgaria’s most unique celebrations.
What Are Kukeri?
Kukeri wear large, often frightening wooden masks and sheepskin or wool costumes. They also wear bells around their waists and carry wooden staffs or sticks. As they jump, shout, and dance, the bells ring loudly—this is believed to scare off bad spirits that hide in the darkness of winter Bulgaria Vacations.
The tradition goes back hundreds, even thousands of years, to Bulgaria’s pagan past, long before Christianity. Even today, Bulgarians keep the ritual alive every winter.
When Does It Happen?
Kukeri rituals usually take place around January 1, but some villages still follow the Old Orthodox Calendar, celebrating on January 14 instead. The biggest and most famous celebrations happen in mid-January in the Pernik region, just 25 km southwest of Sofia.
One of the top spots is the village of Yardzhilovtsi, where local groups of kukeri dance through the streets and gather for a lively final show near the schoolyard.
The International Kukeri Festival in Pernik
Every even-numbered year, Pernik hosts the International Festival of Masquerade Games—the largest of its kind in Bulgaria. This weekend-long event brings together kukeri groups from all over the country, as well as performers from other countries with similar traditions.
Festival Details
Location: Pernik, Bulgaria
Dates: January 25–27
Opening Ceremony: Friday, January 25 at 18:00
Parades Saturday and Sunday (January 26–27) from 10:30 to 17:00
For more info and photos, visit the official site: www.surva.org
Why You Should See It
Whether you’re a local or a tourist, the Kukeri Festival is a must-see. It’s more than just a show—it’s living folklore, full of energy, tradition, and Bulgarian spirit. It combines costumes, music, dance, and community in a way that few other events can.
So, if you’re in Bulgaria this winter, don’t miss your chance to experience one of the country’s most powerful and unforgettable traditions!
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