2. In ancient times people
believed in spirits. They
used clothes made of
animal skins , masks
and kukers’ games to
scare away the evil
spirits and to restore
the fertility of their
land. We celebrate this
festival in January.

3. Men are dressed like
beasts or typical
characters (grandma,
grandpa, the king),
always with masks on
their heads, often
with bells on their
belts and fur coats .
They have a leader
who guides them. The
costumes vary in
different parts of
Bulgaria.

4. The Surva ends in the evening with lighting a
huge fire in the middle of the square and some
kukers do their boldest leap. Around the fire,
which sometimes gathers almost 15 cubic meters
of wood, the other kukers dance ritual dances.
If people are happy - Surva shows that the year
will be good and people gather together to eat
and drink.