Text size

Surva holiday celebrated in Graovsko and all over Western Bulgaria

published on 1/14/24 6:30 AM

Photo: survakari.com

The Surva festival begins with the lighting of bonfires and mummers dancing the horo chain danie around the fires on the night of January 13-14.

The power and timelessness of the masquerade tradition has led UNESCO to declare it a World Heritage Site. The purpose of the ritual fires and dances is to bless the land and the people for a better life and to drive away evil spirits. Boys grow into men as they perform the Surva rites. The doors of every house are thrown wide open to welcome the Survakar parties.

This thousand-year-old tradition is the most awaited and zealously guarded in the region, handed down from father to son. Each year the masks and costumes are renewed. Younger children and women also take part in the masquerade.

In each procession there is a "leader", "the newlyweds", "the priest", "the bear with the bear-ward", according to the Ethnographic Museum in Pernik.

Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!

Radio Bulgaria Folklore festival masquerade mummers Surva UNESCO World Heritage Site

Gallery

More from category

The good fortune of the New Year and how it can be found inside bread, walnuts or onion skins

The first day of January is a day filled with emotions and joyful anticipation of a prosperous year in which all family members will be healthy and will make all their dreams come true. In the traditional Bulgarian calendar, 1 January is known as..

published on 12/31/24 6:05 PM

Here comes "Starchevata" - Chaushi take over Bulgaria's Razlog ‎

On the first day of the incoming 2025, the small town of Razlog in the Pirin Mountain will wake up to the sound of bells, zurnas and drums . Traditionally, the colorful Kukeri festival "Starchevata" will begin at 11:00 a.m. on the central square..

published on 12/31/24 11:47 AM

The forgotten meaning of caroling traditions revealed by singer Daniel Spasov

Every holiday has its own flavour, its own 'clothes' and its own tunes. Christmas is no different. "Little is known about traditional Bulgarian carols and their purpose, little is said, and even the wrong things are said. But the most important thing is..

published on 12/26/24 8:15 AM