Surva: Chasing Off The Bad Spirits
Dating back from pagan times, Bulgarians have an ancient tradition called Surva. People wear scary costumes with brass bells and masks called Kukeri to chase away the bad spirits of the land. It is believed that this ritual will bring good health to the people. Other nations around the Balkan have their own version of this tradition. What's more, my home town Pernik hosts the biggest kukeri festival on the Balkans. Each year, thousands of people across the globe meet to celebrate Surva festival. Groups of kukeri from numerous villages come and participate each with their own and unique designs. I believe a couple of thousand people participated this year.
I love Surva, and every year I wait for it so I can record the amazing sound it brings. Almost all of them carry heavy brass bells and chimes and dance in rhythm with each other. The result is an amazing song of hundreds of bells jumping together, creating a colossal wall of sound. It's actually very pleasing to listen to.
I invite you on an auditory trip, play the recording, close your eyes and imagine you are there.
