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.