Share

Text size

Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

Bulgaria in pictures

Kukeri in the Rhodope Mountains

published on 3/18/24 1:34 PM

Author: Elizabeth Radkova

Photo: Elizabeth Radkova

Lent begins today. Traditionally, in the days before this period of austerity and spiritual reflection begins, Kukeri carnivals are held in many parts of the country.

The village of Dedevo in the Rhodopes celebrated Zadushnitsa, or All Souls' Day, with a masquerade.

In the dense fog, the costumes looked even more picturesque and eerie.

Dressed as beasts and monsters, the people of Dedevo went through every house in the village to bless its inhabitants and drive away evil spirits.

Cars passing through the village were also given "immunity" against disease and misfortune.

The next day was Mesni Zagovezni (Meat Shrovetide), and in the nearby village of Lilkovo there was another Kukeri carnival.

Meat Shrovetide is the last day before Lent when people are allowed to eat meat. Guests and locals were treated to a barbecue and wine, and children also enjoyed... cotton candy.

A hungry bear doesn't play the horo, as the Bulgarians say. Well fed, the partygoers joined in the horo dance.

A large group of bagpipers rocked the village.

Enchanted by the melodious sound of the kuker and the celebratory mood of everyone, you might have been tempted to buy a handmade cowbell.

Photo credit: Elizabeth Radkova

Photos: Elizabeth Radkova

Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!

Radio Bulgaria Bulgaria in pictures bulgaria in pictures kukeri

More from category

The river of Cherni Osam near the village of Govedartsi

A stroll in the Lakatitsa section of Bulgaria's Rila Mountain in winter

If you are looking for a destination for a pleasant walk in the heart of the mountain, you can choose the Lakatitsa section of the Rila Mountain. We suggest you start from the village of Govedartsi near Samokov. The river of Cherni Osam runs alongside..

published on 2/24/25 10:09 AM

Unique church in Dobarsko attracts tourists and pilgrims all year round

Nestled in the foothills of Rila, the village of Dobarsko attracts tourists from all corners of the country year-round. A legend has it that some of the first settlers in the area of today's village were the blinded soldiers of Tsar Samuel, who,..

published on 2/16/25 6:10 AM

Surva, a festival that is a triumph of strength and youth

The 31 st edition of the international mummer festival Surva has asserted its standing as the biggest masquerade festival in Europe. There were more than 12,000 participants in the festival this year, coming from all ethnic regions of the..

updated on 1/27/25 5:56 PM

1
2
3
4
5
6
..
10

WEATHER

Pick city: Sofía

Partly cloudy, chance of rain
Min: -3 | Max: 5

BULGARIA IN PICTURES

Which world-famous Bulgarian artist designed QSL cards for Radio Bulgaria?

MOST VIEWED

A stroll in the Lakatitsa section of Bulgaria's Rila Mountain in winter

If you are looking for a destination for a pleasant walk in the heart of the mountain, you can choose the Lakatitsa section of the Rila Mountain. We..

published on 2/24/25 10:09 AM

shopify analytics ecommerce
tracking