The festival of "кукери"

"Kukeri" for me had been an unheard name and undoubtedly an imperceptible tradition. I am sure that it is also unknown to many of you, but no need for worries I will explain it.

Kukeri (Bulgarian: кукери) are elaborately costumed Bulgarian men, who perform traditional rituals intended to scare away evil spirits. The costumes look like those above. This Bulgarian tradition has been practiced since Thracian times and is of Thracian origin. The costumes cover most of the body and include decorated wooden masks of animals (sometimes double-faced) and large bells attached to the belt. Around New Year and before Lent, the kukeri walk and dance through villages to scare away evil spirits with their costumes and the sound of their bells. They are also believed to provide a good harvest, health, and happiness to the village during the year.

The kukeri traditionally visit peoples' houses at night so that "the sun would not catch them on the road." After parading around the village, they usually gather at the village square to dance wildly and amuse the people. Kukeri rituals vary by region but remain largely the same in essence. To see the variety look at the photo.

For me, it was an incomparable experience. The euphoria spread by the performers of this ritual was very inclusive. It is always an added value to know the culture and tradition of a country different from the one of origin. Also seeing traces of our ancestors still existing today makes you feel part of this world. Everyone who finds it interesting don't miss it.