Kukeri

Kukeri are Bulgarian carnival figures- men dressed like beasts or typical characters (grandfather and grandmother, the king and the tax- collector), always wearing masks, bells on their waists and fur-coats. According to old custom the kukeri walk the streets on the first days of January and dance to scare evil spirits away with the costumes and the sound of the bells, as well as to provide a good harvest, health, and happiness.

               Young and old dress in national costumes put on masks and try to scare the evil spirits away. According to the tradition the kuker games are performed only by men, mainly unmarried. Each kuker group has its leader who is the only married man or with other words a householder with established social position. Some groups are also leaded by two man acting as husband and wife.\

               The costumes that kukeri wear are prepared by themselves. In some parts of Bulgaria kukeri wear masks with wooden construction and variegated threads. They glue pieces of different fabrics mirrors, feathers and various different ornaments.

Baba Marta

   In Bulgaria on the first few days of March, people exchange and wear red tassels, small dolls called Pizho and Penda or red and white woven threads. These altogether are called Martenitsa. They symbolize the wish for good health and are heralds of the coming spring.

   Martenitsi are worn by people until the end of March or the first time an individual sees a stork, swallow or budding tree. The name of the holiday is Baba Marta which translated in English means Grandma March. In Bulgarian folklore she is a grumpy old lady whose mood changes very rapidly.

   It is an old pagan tradition that has remained almost unchanged. People believe that by wearing the red and white colors of the Martenitsa they ask Baba Marta for mercy. They hope that this way winter would give way to spring. The stork and the blooming tree are signs that Baba Marta is in a good mood and is about to retire.   That means that spring is coming soon.

   After people take their Martenitsa off, they usually hang it on a branch of a fruit tree with the believe that this act would bring it health and luck.