SteemitBoard Carnival Challenge - SURVA - Kukers and Fun, Bulgarian traditions

The international festival of masquerade games "Surva" in Pernik is one of the most colorful folklore festivals in Bulgaria. It usually happens at the end of January when it is freezingly cold.

Each year the event becomes more and more spectacular and bigger. It is held during three days. Friday's the opening day dedicated to children groups, speeches and firework shows, while Saturday and Sunday happens "main" part of the huge carnival. Usually there are less people on Fridays and there is a positive side to this: the feeling is somewhat closer due to the lack of huge crowds with viewers, the bars surrounding the audience, and so on. And the little ones are always somewhat more natural and energetic. One of the most interesting things for me is to see familiar faces between the participants, the children I had shot many years ago and the way they grew up and matured. I also have a lot of personal impressions and opinions about the development of the festival as a whole, which I will not share here, contact me personally if you are interested to know them. 😉 Two more things happen on Friday, which you can not see at the weekend: the rich fireworks that begins right after the official opening ceremony and the talk of distinguished guests and hosts, and the dances around the enormous ritual fire that the organizers set on when the fireworks are over.

Scroll down for more info and some of my photos ;)

The UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage included the Bulgarian folklore festival “Surva” in the UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List. Shortly said, “Surva” is an ancient pagan ritual where people chase away evil spirits with music and dances wishing health, prosperity and fertility.

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There are always interesting people in the audience and sometimes I wonder what are they thinking while watching the festival participants?

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The fusion of ancient and modern. Or mixture, I am not sure what is the better word in this case:

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At the festival, one could try several traditional and not so orthodox meals. In general this is one significant part of the event. Not to mention the drinks and the joyful atmosphere after consuming those in large quantities! ;)

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Usually the most scenery and interesting part of the show is when the night falls and the big torches are lighted. The scary "Kukeri" (plural for "Kuker") start marching, dancing and jumping. Imagine the noise coming out from the big brass bells they carry on their waists!

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They sure banish the evil spirits!!!

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The openings are different every year in a way but always spectacular:

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Scroll down for more info and some of my photos ;)

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Sometimes even René Artois from 'Allo 'Allo! joins the festival ;)

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I have uploaded much more photos from the few times I photographed this glorious festival on my photo blog here: https://hadjiyvanov.com/ Just enter any post and search for "Surva" ;)

More info about this colorful and traditional festival from its official site: Surva.org

Copyright: Damian Hadjiyvanov, Light Captured
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This is my entry to the Carnival Challenge by @steemitboard, thank you, guys!

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