When is kukeri celebrated Does any Balkan state, celebrate Halloween, Carnival, or whatever they call it, this time of year? In Greece we celebrate carnival at end of February / begining of March (same time with the carnival in Brazil). Kukeri is a pagan ritual, which is performed during the winter months, mainly in January and February, to scare away evil spirits and bring good luck to the community. Closely related traditions are found throughout the Balkans and Greece (including Romania and the Pontus). Surva is an International Masquerade Games Festival. Believers go to (Orthodox) Church early in the morning. It is an ancient ritual performed during the winter months, particularly around New Year’s and during the carnival season. Nearly 7,000 people participated in this year's festivities. The Kukeri customs in Bulgaria are a centuries-old tradition that are still practiced today. Regardless of the event, everyone from the elderly to the young children attend. The words and music have the deep meaning Dec 6, 2023 · Bulgaria, a country nestled in the heart of the Balkans, is a land steeped in history and cultural richness. Notable events where you can expect to see Kukeri are the Surva festival in Pernik, the Razlog Festival, and the Dervishi-Varvara festival. Inspired by the meticulous craftsmanship and attention to detail found in Japanese culture, our brand is dedicated to providing high-quality kitchenware and food storage solutions that enhance your cooking experience. Our Embassy colleagues Download Kukeri Celebrate stock photos. Dec 18, 2017 · Celebrated on either September 11 or 12, Enkutatash is an Ethiopian New Year celebration. Men wear special costumes and wear big, scary masks that look like animals. The Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (Czech Republic): This is the place to see and be seen. net ! Приятен престой! Kukeri costumes are integral to the tradition, crafted to cover the dancer's entire body and made from a mix of fur, feathers, and other natural materials. Feb 26, 2024 · From Venice to Rio, carnivals are a time honoured tradition to celebrate the end of winter with a riot of noise and dance, with masks and a temporary subversion of established social roles. Dressed up as gigantic white-haired monsters, bands of friends paraded together through the village’s streets, taking turns circling the main square. Nov 23, 2022 · The “kukeri” are carnival figures. 2 days ago · Traditional masked dancers perform during Nepal's former king Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah's 68th birthday celebration at his residence at Nirmal Niwas in Kathmandu, Nepal, July 7, 2014. Jan 9, 2023 · The Kukeri, lavishly dressed men, go from door to door, not only to keep the evil spirits away with their sticks but also to wish their hosts a healthy and fruitful New Year. Free or royalty-free photos and images. Masks and bells: the symbols of the Kukeri The celebration takes place on Sunday, as that was the day of Christ's resurrection. The 'Kukeri' are seen as divinities personifying spring fertility rites. Apr 19, 2022 · The Kukeri celebration lasted almost a full day. The Kukeri dance and customs reflect Bulgaria's agricultural traditions, symbolizing the aspiration for a fruitful harvest and protection against negative influences. Last year over 6 000 Feb 26, 2020 · “Kukeri games – a pageant of colour, magic and mystery Celebrated on 8 January in the new style calendar and January 21 in the old style, it is dedicated to The traditional Kukeri dance ritual takes place during national holidays. Soon they will enter the houses of the villagers – by force if they should so choose. Traditionally held in areas with large Catholic populations, celebrations of carnival around the world often includes a parade with costumes and music- yet each country has their own unique traditions. Jul 20, 2024 · Kukeri Festival; One of the oldest and the most iconic celebrations in Bulgaria, the Kukeri Festival was first celebrated dating back to the Thracian times. In Bulgaria we have the Kukeri In Greece the Koudonoforoi In Serbia the Bele Poklade In Varying according to location and dialect, the Kukeri celebration has survived from pre-Christian pаgan times, when the scary, monstrous multi-coloured masks were designed to chase away evil spirits, ensure the advent of spring, the revival of nature, and to entice good harvest, health, fertility and happiness (Brown, 2018). January ; According to tradition, dancers perform only on the day of Saints Constantine and Helen, celebrated on 21 st of May. The gatherings are celebrated to ward off evil spirits, bring a good harvest, happiness and ensure a prosperous year ahead. **Dolossat** – Found in Baltic Paganism, Dolossat is a spring celebration involving community singing, sauna rituals, and offerings to spirits Feb 14, 2018 · In a practice dating back millennia, Bulgaria’s kukeri dancers don dramatic costumes to dispel evil and invite good. However, what you may not know is that we also have a carnival Nov 22, 2024 · Kukeri, the unique Bulgarian ritual blending folklore, dance, and theater, stands as a colorful symbol of the country's rich cultural heritage. Mar 30, 2022 · It is celebrated on the first Sunday of the new year. In the 1400 century Bulgaria fall under occupation of the Ottoman Empire, however they did not pay any attention to the kukeri as long as the Bulgarian paid their taxes and behaved. Kukeri is a unique and fascinating tradition that originated in Bulgaria and is still celebrated today. Use them in commercial designs under lifetime, perpetual & worldwide rights. Killian Lassablière Kukeri are elaborately costumed Bulgarian men, who perform traditional rituals intended to scare away evil spirits. One of the most captivating aspects of Bulgarian culture is its traditional festivals, which have been celebrated for centuries, weaving a vibrant tapestry that reflects the country’s diverse heritage. Sep 28, 2014 · An ancient ritual to drive away the evil spirits, the procession of the Kukeri is celebrated either around New Year’s Eve or on Cheesefare Sunday, just before Lent. Each festival has a different purpose, dress, song and food, which make it unique. If you do some research, you will undoubtedly encounter theories, attributing the origin of the carnival tradition to Roman and Greek pagan traditions. May 30, 2023 · The Bulgarian Kukeri tradition is a fascinating and unique cultural celebration that has been passed down from generation to generation for centuries. The exact date of the festival may vary from year to year, as it is determined by the Orthodox Christian calendar. Who are the kukeri and why do they need their frightening dances? Proshka is the day of repentance, forgiveness and spiritual rebirth. KUKERI At Kukeri, we believe that the heart of every home is its kitchen. Kukeri // Bulgaria. published on 1/8/25 6:05 AM On Ivanovden, residents of Alvanovo reenact the custom "Bathing the Sons-in-Law" Sep 18, 2024 · The Kukeri tradition, which dates back to Thracian times, continues to be a vital part of Bulgarian folklore, captivating both locals and visitors with its unique blend of mythology, spirituality, and communal celebration. The Kukeri Festival The Kukeri Festival is one of the oldest traditions in Bulgaria. Jan 31, 2017 · Mummers arrive in Pernik, Bulgaria, to participate in the second and final day of the Surva International Festival of the Masquerade Games. Dec 18, 2024 · Discover the vibrant Kukeri Festival in Bulgaria, where tradition and spectacle combine for a unique celebration. The best option for actually experiencing a kukeri mask festival is in Pernik (a city situated 30km from Sofia). Nov 13, 2023 · Сурва в Перник е традиционен български фолклорен празник, който е известен с богатата си музикална и танцова програма. The Romanian Capra festival is similarly symbolic of the New Year, a Dionysiac celebration of death and rebirth that […] Mar 1, 2024 · In celebration of their decade milestone, Kukeri is designing a special label and a Bordeaux blend from Howell Mountain that they will release in 2024. net представя календар на предстоящите събития през 2025 година, свързани с фестивали, кукерски и сурвакарски игри, маска One of the main traditions of Kukerovden is the Kukeri parade, in which men dress up in elaborate costumes and masks made from animal skins, horns, and bells. May 14, 2024 · The funny Kukeri rituals are also a celebration of the changing seasons, notably the transition from winter to spring. Sep 16, 2024 · With its colorful parades, rhythmic dances, and booming cowbells, Kukeri is a sensory feast that captures the essence of Balkan folklore—celebratory, mysterious, and deeply symbolic. Feb 5, 2017 · In small villages around the ski resorts of Bansko or Razlog, people celebrate the Kukeri festival on January 1st. The Kukeri tradition is a powerful testament to Bulgaria’s enduring connection to its ancient roots. Kukeri is a mixture of Christian and pagan rituals, dating back to Thracian times, where in the last days of winter male dancers dress in sheepskin garments, wear masks, and sing songs to scare away the evil spirits. 1 day ago · Екипът на Kukeri. Canvas Gallery | A centuries old tradition, kept alive in Bulgaria to protect against all evil. These kukeri parade through Pernik’s streets, showing off their creative outfits. Nov 25, 2013 · "Kukeri" festivals are celebrated throughout the Balkans where the residents don their holiday best, or rather frightening looking costumes with wooden animal masks and bells around their wastes, and march or dance down the streets to scare off the evil spirits. #KukeriFestival #Bulgaria #CulturalHeritage “The Kukeri walk, dance and jump around the local streets, villages and towns making as much noise as possible in the belief that their actions will bring prosperity to all,” say the directors. Dreamstime is the world`s largest stock photography community. Another truly scenic celebration takes place in the mountain village of Shiroka Laka (in the Rhodope Mountains) at the beginning of March, with mountain peaks and beautiful black-and-white traditional houses as a background. The Kukers celebrate the passing of winter and the arrival of summer fertility. Feb 5, 2024 · Kukeri is an ancient Bulgarian pagan tradition performed during the winter months, particularly around New Year’s and the carnival season. Photos de la Deuxième Kukeri célébration à Toronto, Canada, organisé par le groupe des danses folkloriques bulgares "Igranka", le 29 mars 2008. The origin of Keywords: Kukeri traditions humor, funny Kukeri legends, Kukeri cultural significance, Blagoevgrad Kukeri festival, traditions in Bulgaria, Kukeri costumes history, humorous folklore tales, Kukeri celebration highlights, funny cultural events 2024, Kukeri historical overview The tradition of the Kukeri is similar to the way that the traditional Irish, English, and some modern-day Americans celebrate Mumming and Mummers. Honoring our folkloric roots and the sacred pagan rituals, we’ve selected the stunning imagery of 'kukeri' costumes photographed by Aron Klein @aronkleinphotography Celebrate KUKERI MONTH and shop with 15% OFF SITEWIDE SHOP COLLECTION *Code: KUKERI. The figures dance together with the “kukeri” while they sing. Last year over 6 000 Feb 26, 2020 · “Kukeri games – a pageant of colour, magic and mystery Celebrated on 8 January in the new style calendar and January 21 in the old style, it is dedicated to Sep 18, 2020 · Festival of the Kukeri, Bulgaria. They also bring good harvest, health and happiness to all the people. Oct 29, 2024 · OF MUMMERS AND MEN in Bulgaria; In the midst of winter, kukeri dance for the rebirth of nature. Their faces are a terrifying mix of snapping jaws, twisted horns, and large, unblinking eyes. Kukeri (Bulgarian: Mar 28, 2009 · Kukeri is observed at various times according to locale, but the most widespread tradition places the festivities at seven weeks before Easter [11], coinciding with or following Sirni Zagovezni; a day of purification and bonfire ceremonies [12]. Mar 18, 2024 · Traditionally, in the days before this period of austerity and spiritual reflection begins, Kukeri carnivals are held in many parts of the country. Whole Bulgaria tries to scare the evil spirits away and meet the new season, spring. Kukeri is celebrated on the 1st of January every new year ". It is an ancient ritual performed during the winter months, particularly around New Year's and Keywords: Ivanovden celebration traditions, Kukeri festival Ivanovden, folk customs Kukeri, Ivanovden cultural significance, celebrating Ivanovden traditions, Bulgarian Kukeri history, Ivanovden folklore practices, TikTok Ivanovden stories, Kukeri dance Ivanovden, Ivanovden rituals Jan 27, 2015 · Surva – Celebrated each year on the last weekend of January The citizens of the Bulgarian town Pernik, situated 30 minutes away from Sofia celebrate Surva. The Romanian Capra festival is similarly symbolic of the New Year, a Dionysiac celebration of death and rebirth that was practiced as early as 1,600 BC. Kekri, also known as keyri, köyri, köyry (in Torne Valley) kööri and kegri (in Karelian), [1] is a Finnish and Karelian harvest festival, celebrated in the fall. Dervish from Lesichovo Urthos e Buttudos, Fonni, Sardinia (2014) Kukeri (masked, furry monsters) dance on the streets inviting good luck and scaring away the evil eye. Oct 4, 2021 · Today, both Ireland and Scotland celebrate Halloween with bonfires, games, and traditional foods like barmbrack, an Irish fruitcake that contains coins, 13. Although the festival continues to be celebrated throughout Bulgaria, the largest and most colourful takes place in the town of Pernik, 50 km from Sofia. Nepal's former king Gyanendra Bir Bikram Shah celebrated his birthday at his own residence since the monarchy was abolished in the country in 2008. . It is an international festival called “Surva”. Kekri was once widely celebrated in Finland and Karelia, [2] but it has been largely eclipsed by Christmas, to which many old Kekri traditions have migrated. This carnival is organized in the late winter commonly in January and February. The chasing of evil spirits and the new beginning form the basis and the semantics of the celebration. The aim of this event is to chase away wicked spirits and therefore, manifesting a bountiful harvest. Since then it attracts people from all over the world. Nov 6, 2024 · Ето и кога ще се проведе събитието: 11 и 12 януари 2025 година Община Симитли се подготвя за Международния кукерски фестивал "Симитлия – Sep 25, 2013 · The Kukeri Ritual: Bulgaria's Sinister Day of Monsters Under skies darkened by thick clouds, they pour out into the streets, clanging with the sound of giant bells. The Kukeri dance through the streets, chasing away evil spirits and bringing good luck and fertility to the community. The day Sep 22, 2022 · Being part of a Kukeri Carnival. Sale ends on 1/16 11:59 PM PST Bulgaria's ancient mysterious Jan 27, 2015 · Surva – Celebrated each year on the last weekend of January The citizens of the Bulgarian town Pernik, situated 30 minutes away from Sofia celebrate Surva. Kukeri dances are also a highlight of all Bulgarian folklore and ethno festivals. According to ethnographers, the tradition is linked to the celebration of Dionysus, the ancient Greek god of wine and merriment. Unveiling ancient rituals and traditions, this unique celebration brings locals and tourists together to explore the fascinating Bulgarian folklore and myth. We have kukeri, we have paganistic rituals for Easter, for Palm Sunday, and the day before that, the days of Lazar. Jan 27, 2016 · The Lithuanians celebrate the festival of Užgavėnės by burning a gruesome effigy, a female personification of Winter, before parading through the streets dressed as witches and goats and devils. Ivan Rilski Sq. Marked by the yellow daisies that cover the country following its rainy season, the holiday’s name translates to “gift of jewels” and stretches back to a tale involving the Queen of Sheba and King Solomon. The best places to visit in Bulgaria for kukeri are Pernik, Razlog, Smolyan. They do this to scare away bad spirits and bring good luck for the new year. Apart from them, other characters take part in the dances and games during the ritual. These fantastical outfits include intricate masks depicting mythical creatures and belts adorned with massive metal bells, whose resounding clangs are believed to scare off evil spirits. From its ancient origins to its modern significance in towns like Bansko, Kukeri tells a story of community, protection, and celebration. The Bulgarian Kukeri are unmistakable thanks to their incredibly creepy masks, the huge bells on their belt and the costumes made of thick animal pelts. How to photograph the Jan 2, 2022 · Celebrated on 8 January in the new style calendar and January 21 in the old style, it is dedicated to the women who used. Oct 21, 2024 · **Kukeri** – In Bulgaria, the Kukeri festival involves men dressing in elaborate costumes and masks to perform rituals that scare away evil spirits, ensuring a bountiful harvest and protection. Throughout the Balkans, the arrival of spring is marked by various rituals that celebrate rebirth, renewal, and the enduring cycle of nature. Apr 12, 2023 · Kukerovden is an ancient Thracian festival celebrated in Bulgaria that dates back thousands of years. This two-day celebration takes place in late January in the town of Pernik, just a short drive from Sofia. The tradition involves participants, known as Kukeri, donning elaborately crafted masks and dancing to dispel evil and invite good. within Bulgaria celebrate Kukeri on the fourth day of the Muslim religious holiday Kurban Bairam. May 9, 2022 · Since 1966, a growing number of Kukeri have traveled from all across Bulgaria to Pernik, a town just outside of Sofia, to show off their costumes and dances. The event evolved from a local holiday into an international festival back in eighties of the last century. It is held every year on the last weekend in January. 23. Apr 16, 2021 · Kukeri Image from: https: In Bulgarian folklore, the month of March marks the beginning of spring and we have a very special tradition to celebrate that Photos from the Second Kukeri celebration in Toronto, Canada, organized by the Bulgarian folk dances group "Igranka" on 29 March 2008. Join us at Exploring Bulgaria for an immersive experience into the mystical side of Bulgarian culture! 🔥🚀 Nov 22, 2024 · Kukeri emerged as fertility and agricultural ceremonies, meant to appease the forces of nature, protect villages from evil spirits, and ensure bountiful harvests for the coming year. This year it’s happening from January 24th to 26th 2025. The biggest carnival for the region is the International Festival of Kukeri and Masquerade Games Kukovein the town of Rakovski. They dress in elaborate costumes that involve large, scary masks depicting the devil. This day is an important date in the Bulgarian folk Jun 7, 2019 · The Kukeri Festival. Kukeri is celebrated on the 1st of January every new year | Instagram Oct 31, 2024 · the_balkans on October 31, 2024: "As Halloween is celebrated in the West, let's remember our own haunting traditions in the Balkans! From Christmas and New Year’s to the 'Unclean Days' before Epiphany and the lead-up to the Lent, people dress in masks, animal skins, and bells to scare off evil spirits. In an office space, hulking figures with tall, cylindrical heads stand motionless, almost brushing against the ceiling. It happens every year in winter. On Christmas Eve the food is left on the table because Mary or Jesus may decide to drop by in the night. Join us on a tour of the Surva Festival or some of the other Kukeri festivals in Bulgaria, and you’ll get to see the largest gathering of Kukeri in the world! See full list on wingtunes. Kukeri. May 3, 2023 · Once a year, the Bulgarian tradition of Kukeri unites a small village as residents wear intricate masks and costumes and dance at night. How to celebrate Christmas, Polish style. The Bulgarian version is the kukeri dances. The festival’s main attraction is the masquerade games, where participants called “kukeri” dress up in eye-catching costumes and masks. Even though these Feb 8, 2016 · The unknown Kukeri carnival You have probably heard of the carnivals of Rio or Venice. TRAVEL. A mysterious tradition native to the people of modern day Romania, Bulgaria and Serbia and is celebrated in January. This tree's handcrafted ornaments depict Bulgaria's ethnicity and folklore. “We wanted the story to connect with the viewer and to share a family's traditions in a way that reflects not only their rituals and story as it Municipal Administration Cultural Section 1A Sv. “Stay tuned, as it will be something spectacular,” he teased. The Kukeri rituals are led by the older member of the group who ploughs the ground and seeds the symbol of fertility and well-being for the region. It is an ancient ritual performed during the winter months, particularly around New Year's and Keywords: Ivanovden celebration traditions, Kukeri festival Ivanovden, folk customs Kukeri, Ivanovden cultural significance, celebrating Ivanovden traditions, Bulgarian Kukeri history, Ivanovden folklore practices, TikTok Ivanovden stories, Kukeri dance Ivanovden, Ivanovden rituals Jan 12, 2022 · Introducing 'KUKERI' - An ancient ritual of Bulgaria dating back a thousand years. Their garments consist of a nosiya, a traditional Bulgarian ensemble, and poturi, which are traditional shoes from the 18th century. The men dance and make loud noises with bells. Meeting the Kukeri Here are few more of my favorite pictures from the festival with Kukeri dancers. To welcome spring and the new circle of life, people wear martenitsa, made from white strands for purity and red strands for life and passion. Like I already mentioned, the Romans were not very fond about celebration of kukeri but yet it managed to survive. From the moment I arrived to Bulgaria, there was always a celebration to attend. Jan 31, 2019 · The Embassy community celebrated the Bulgarian mummers tradition with a kukeri (mummers) masks exhibit. Dec 7, 2020 · Male performers are known as kukeri. Actually, almost all around the country there are celebrations like that. Feb 12, 2013 · People celebrate carnival around the world the week before Lent, a Christian period of fasting and reflection. The village of Dedevo in the Rhodopes celebrated Zadushnitsa, or All Souls' Day, with a masquerade. And there are many more pagan traditions and holidays that are celebrated. In the villages of Yardzhilovtsi and Batanovtsi, the Kukeri game For the ultimate kukeri show, plan to visit in an even-numbered year during the last weekend in January, when some 3,500 revelers participate in Bulgaria's largest Festival of the Kukeri in Pernik. Pernik, 2300 Bulgaria Phone: +359 76 684 231, 246, 232 Fax: +359 76 604 684 Or +359 76 603 890 Dec 23, 2017 · Kukeri are usually men, rarely women and children After the celebration they say the winter is gone and the spring can come. Some of them will mention a connection to Bacchus/Dionysus, a Thracian and Greek god of wine. It is held annually on Friday and Saturday before Sirni Zagovezni on the Catholic The custom is generally thought to be related to the Thracian Dionysos cult, and similar captivating rituals can also be found in much of the Balkans. We are passionate about crea Jun 7, 2018 · The Lithuanians celebrate the festival of Užgavėnės by burning a gruesome effigy, a female personification of Winter, before parading through the streets dressed as witches and goats and devils. The Kukeri custom on Bulgarian lands originates from the Thracian’s , where it was celebrated during the days of the Thracian god of joy Dionysus at the beginning of a new agricultural year, related to the plowing of the fields. It is a colorful and festive event that takes place during the winter months. Nov 6, 2024 · Ако обичате кукерите, старите български обичаи и традиции, то тогава сте на правилното място! Поканете и приятелите си в www. The masks and costumes of the Kukeri represent various carnival figures – beasts or typical characters, always with masks on their heads, often with chains on their belts May 3, 2023 · “Kukeri” ’s opening shots are as breathtaking as they are strange. com Jan 4, 2025 · The Kukeri Festival in Bulgaria is organized annually in late January or early February, typically around the time of the Christian holiday of Shrovetide, which marks the beginning of Lent. Regardless of the time or place of celebration, the salient features remain the same. Surva / Kukeri Festival. The festival takes place on the first day of March each year, marking the beginning of spring Keywords: Kukeri festival traditions Bulgaria, Surva festival 2025, Varvara Kukeri celebration, cultural heritage Kukeri, Bulgarian folklore events, ancient rituals Bulgaria, traditions in Varvara, cultural significance of Kukeri, Kukeri masks meaning, festival of Kukeri OF MUMMERS AND MEN in Bulgaria In the midst of winter, kukeri dance for the rebirth of nature The word “mummer,” though derived from the Greek word for “mask,” is the likely origin of the English word “mum”; to “keep mum” means “to act like a mummer, a mime”—though the word “mime” comes from the… May 11, 2017 · In the Plovdiv region, Kuker masquerade games begin to run from the beginning of March, with different towns having separate dates. By recording The Kukeri festival is an age-old Bulgarian custom celebrated in various regions of the country, where people dress in colorful costumes and perform a unique ritual dance. Sirny Zagovezni, Sirnitsa, Pokladi, Proshka, Maslenitsa - all these are the names of the Bulgarian holiday, which is celebrated on Sunday before Great Lent. Mar 21, 2013 · Most typically, it is held either around Christmas or during Sirni Zagovezni (a holiday celebrated 7 weeks prior to Easter). To be part of a Kukeri Carnival is one of the things to do in Bulgaria. Because many of the areas where Kukeri is performed are difficult to reach, alternate celebrations, such as Surva or Yambol’s midwinter celebration, are held instead. There are also Kukeri in Poland, Hungary, Croatia, and Slovakia, as well as in Austria, where they are called Percht. Yet, the fact that Kukeri is celebrated by the Turks in Bulgaria is widely unknown to the Kukeri performers from other regions and either unknown or ignored by scholars. The word “mummer,” though derived from the Greek word for “mask,” is the likely origin of the English word “mum”; to “keep mum” means “to act like a mummer, a mime”—though the word “mime” comes from the Greek mimesis, “imitation; art”, which is related to the Sanskrit Mar 14, 2016 · Kukeri Trough the Times. Jun 13, 2023 · 16 likes, 2 comments - kitoates on June 13, 2023: "In Bulgaria, the Kukeri festival is celebrated to mark the end of winter and the beginning of spring. The festival involves men dressing up in elaborate costumes and masks and performing a dance that is meant to scare away evil spirits. This ritual gives the start of the new year in the municipality, sending the old one away. Mar 21, 2024 · Discover the enchanting world of Bulgarian Kukeri at the Kukeri Festival. Kukeri (Bulgarian: кукери; singular: kuker, кукер) are elaborately costumed Bulgarian men, who perform traditional rituals intended to scare away evil spirits. Those could be kings, elderly people, gipsies, priests - different figures from the Bulgarian folklore. qsfs drdh omfbfg qvklb tmqlru qxgds zsjidlk wfcux qwvywh miagya