Share

Text size

Bulgarian National Radio © 2024 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

In anticipation of Christmas - Bulgarian towns and cities in Christmas decorations

The lights of Christmas decorations are brightening up many streets, squares and urban places in towns and cities across Bulgaria. The park in front of the National Palace of Culture in central Sofia has become a Christmas bazaar. Many decorated..

published on 12/20/24 7:01 PM

Sofia wakes up to first snow for the winter

The Bulgarian capital woke up to heavy snowfall and a blanket of snow. Sofia Airport is functioning normally in winter conditions, the press centre of the airport told the Bulgarian news agency BTA. De-icing procedures of the airplanes are..

published on 11/12/24 12:12 PM

An autumn walk along the cobblestone streets of the village of Leshten

Autumn gives a special charm to the village of Leshten, hidden in the slopes of the western Rhodopes. Its stone walls stand out at the backdrop of the feast of colors in nature around and preserve the cosiness of the Bulgarian..

published on 11/7/24 3:30 PM

1
2
3
4
5
6
..
10

WEATHER

Pick city: Sofía

Snow
Min: 0 | Max: 2

BULGARIA IN PICTURES

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

shopify analytics ecommerce
tracking