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

Bulgaria in pictures

Kukeri in the Rhodope Mountains

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!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Zemen - paradise found

In western Bulgaria, about a hundred kilometres south-west of Sofia, lies the town of Zemen and its environs on the banks of the Struma River. Although not one of the country's best-known tourist destinations, interest in the region has grown..

published on 5/7/24 3:20 PM

Spring walk in Sofia

Spring is beautiful in Sofia. The Bulgarian capital is filled with the scent of linden trees, lilacs and tulips, and birds in the parks create real spring concerts. A delight to the senses! The central city area is adorned with..

published on 4/15/24 12:39 PM

Happy Granny Marta!

March Day in Bulgaria is one of the most popular holidays for young and old. Martenitsas or Rhodope baynitsas – a symbol of hope for the good things to come By donning the red and white martenitsas, we, the Bulgarians, symbolically..

published on 3/1/24 4:31 PM