Kukeri festival: Chasing away evil spirits in Bulgaria
The ancient cultural tradition invites good luck for locals and drive away evil spirits
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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
AFP
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The Kukeri Carnival is a festival of brightly colored masks and costumes which marks the beginning of Spring.
AFP
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Every participant makes his own multi-colored personal mask, covered with beads, ribbons and woolen tassels.
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.
AFP
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Bulgarian dancers dressed as animals perform a ritual dance with flaming torches during the Kukeri Carnival
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
AFP
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A Bulgarian dancer wearing costume looks on a ritual dance with flaming torches during the Kukeri Carnival
AFP
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Every participant makes his own multi-colored personal mask, covered with beads, ribbons and woolen tassels.
AFP
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A big bonfire and a torchlight procession under the sounds of drums during the Kukeri Festival in Bulgaria
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
AFP
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