Kukeri festival: Chasing away evil spirits in Bulgaria

The ancient cultural tradition invites good luck for locals and drive away evil spirits

Published: January 14, 2020 09:30 Christian Borbon, Senior Web Editor

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A Bulgarian dancer wearing a costume performs a ritual dance with flaming torches during the Kukeri Carnival in the village of Batanovtsi, western Bulgaria Image Credit: AFP

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The Kukeri Carnival is a festival of brightly colored masks and costumes which marks the beginning of Spring. Image Credit: AFP

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Every participant makes his own multi-colored personal mask, covered with beads, ribbons and woolen tassels. Image Credit: AFP

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The heavy swaying of the main mummer is meant to represent wheat heavy with grain, and the bells tied around the waist are intended to drive away the evil spirits and the sickness. Image Credit: AFP

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Bulgarian dancers dressed as animals perform a ritual dance with flaming torches during the Kukeri Carnival Image Credit: AFP

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Bulgarian dancers wearing costumes perform a ritual dance with flaming torches during the Kukeri Carnival in the village of Batanovtsi, western Bulgaria Image Credit: AFP

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A Bulgarian dancer wearing costume looks on a ritual dance with flaming torches during the Kukeri Carnival Image Credit: AFP

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Every participant makes his own multi-colored personal mask, covered with beads, ribbons and woolen tassels. Image Credit: AFP

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A big bonfire and a torchlight procession under the sounds of drums during the Kukeri Festival in Bulgaria Image Credit: AFP

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Bulgarian dancers wearing costumes perform a ritual dance with flaming torches during the Kukeri Carnival in the village of Batanovtsi, western Bulgaria Image Credit: AFP

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Kukeri festival: Chasing away evil spirits in Bulgaria

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Kukeri festival: Chasing away evil spirits in Bulgaria

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