Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2024 All Rights Reserved

Masked men in Yassen village banish evil forces, diseases and bad luck in old-time ritual

Blind Mare in Yassen village
Photo: istoriograph.bg

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. 



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Carol singers in Bulgaria's Yambоl not only sing blessings, but also dance the buenek

In Yambol, a large Christmas carolling festival is traditionally organized on December 25, in which dozens of caroling groups (koledari) sing and dance. Only in Yambol the carollers not only sing and bless, but also dance. The Yambol Christmas..

published on 12/25/23 12:09 PM

Gold, silver and silk - a Bulgarian woman revives the old techniques in making the Kyustendil national costume

Madlen Bozhilova Amin is the winner of the 2021 UNESCO's Living Human Treasure prize for a project related to the making of the old-time folk costume from the region of Kyustendil called "saya" . Some time ago, the Bulgarian woman returned from abroad to..

published on 12/7/23 2:14 PM

Kardzhali is hosting folklore dance festival of amateur clubs

For the 8th time, Kardzhali is hosting the Folklore Festival of amateur folk dance clubs "Perpera".   The forum will gather today on the stage of the theater in Kardzhali more than 420 amateur dancers from all over the country. They will perform..

published on 11/11/23 7:05 AM