Kukeri

Kukeri is a traditional Bulgarian ritual involving elaborate masked costumes and dances performed to ward off evil spirits and bring good harvests. Participants, called Kukeri, dress in vibrant, often animal-themed outfits with bells, hopping and dancing through villages during specific festivals, especially around New Year and before Lent. The ritual dates back thousands of years and combines pagan beliefs with local customs, serving as a symbolic act of cleansing and renewal. It fosters community spirit, preserves heritage, and reflects Bulgaria’s rich cultural history of connecting humans, nature, and spiritual well-being.