Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

Masked men in Yassen village banish evil forces, diseases and bad luck in old-time ritual

Blind Mare in Yassen village
Photo: istoriograph.bg

As is the tradition of old, people in Yassen village near Pleven banished the evil spirits, diseases and bad luck from their homes, the Bulgarian news agency BTA reports.  

A ritual called Blind Mare is performed there after Epiphany and Ivanovden, the day of St. John the Baptist, which is typical for this part of the country. The ritual is men-only, and only the leader of the group does not wear a mask. For the ritual to be a success, none of the masked men should be recognized. 

The locals say they are happy the tradition has been handed down from generation to generation, so that at the beginning of each year good luck and kindness may be invited into their homes, and bring prosperity and abundance throughout the year. 



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

The Strelcha Museum presents the exhibition "A Fine Easter, a Finer St. George’s Day". 

In April and May the visitors of the Strelcha Historical Museum will have the opportunity to get acquainted with the traditions connected with the Easter holiday cycle through the exhibition A Fine Easter, a Finer St. George’s Day .  Easter..

published on 4/13/25 7:50 AM

"Lazaruvane" - a rite symbolising a girl's "coming of age".

Lazarus Saturday is widely known in Bulgaria as Lazarovden , celebrated by Orthodox Bulgarians on the day before Palm Sunday. The main rite is the lazaruvane - a traditional custom centred on themes of love and marriage. Girls over the age of 16,..

published on 4/12/25 7:30 AM
In the afternoon, the girls will also visit the Etara Architectural and Ethnographic Complex near the nearby town of Gabrovo.

St Lazarus Day celebrated with traditional lazaruvane in Tryavna

The historic town of Tryavna will celebrate St Lazarus' Day, traditionally held on the Saturday before Palm Sunday. The Bulgarian custom, known as lazaruvane , is closely linked to the themes of love and marriage and will be re-enacted this..

published on 4/11/25 4:50 PM