The "Surva" festival is a traditional Bulgarian event held in various parts of Bulgaria, with the most popular one being in Pernik. It usually takes place at the end of January. This year, the "Surva" festival in Pernik celebrates its 30th anniversary.
The "Surva" participants, also known as "kukeri," dress in traditional masks and costumes and parade through the streets, performing dances and rituals believed to ward off evil spirits and invoke fertility and prosperity for the upcoming year.
The colors of the kukeri costumes have specific meanings: red and black symbolize strength and masculinity, white represents purity and virtue, and green represents fertility and the strength of the family. All these colors are believed to protect against evil forces. The kukeri costumes are handmade, using materials such as animal hides, bones, wood, and other materials. Traditionally, the costumes also feature bells, which the participants attach to themselves. These bells are called "chanove."
The "Surva" festival is an important cultural event that preserves the ancient traditions of the Bulgarian people and brings together people from all over the country and abroad to enjoy the unique Bulgarian folklore heritage.
