2Surva Festival, Bulgaria

The Surva Festival, held in the town of Pernik, Bulgaria, is one of Europe’s most vibrant and unusual winter events. Known as the International Festival of Masquerade Games, it takes place in late January and is a celebration of folklore, tradition, and the magical power of masks.
Participants, known as “kukeri,” don elaborate costumes adorned with bells, feathers, and fur. The kukeri perform rituals and dances designed to ward off evil spirits and ensure a prosperous year ahead. The festival’s lively parades feature groups from all over Bulgaria and beyond, showcasing the rich diversity of Balkan culture. The Surva Festival is a sensory feast with its striking visuals, the rhythmic clanging of bells, and the cheerful atmosphere. It’s a must-see for anyone interested in folklore and cultural traditions that have endured for centuries.

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