As is the tradition of old, people in Yassen village near Pleven banished the evil spirits, diseases and bad luck from their homes, the Bulgarian news agency BTA reports.  

A ritual called Blind Mare is performed there after Epiphany and Ivanovden, the day of St. John the Baptist, which is typical for this part of the country. The ritual is men-only, and only the leader of the group does not wear a mask. For the ritual to be a success, none of the masked men should be recognized. 

The locals say they are happy the tradition has been handed down from generation to generation, so that at the beginning of each year good luck and kindness may be invited into their homes, and bring prosperity and abundance throughout the year.