mummers' holidays and processions

every year in Bulgaria there are mummers' processions. They organize to ward off evil spirits and forces, diseases. Big and small bells make noise, jumping on the spot or walking. Each group has a bride and groom, a priest, a bagpiper with companions of different ages and genders. Folk beliefs are that with this ritual one enters the new year with pure thoughts and soul. The role of the bells is symbolic. The procession takes place under the rhythmic beating of the drum, sometimes with accompanying folk instruments, bagpipes and others.