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

Kukeri from all over Bulgaria prepare for festival in Simitli

Photo: BGNES-library

More than 7,000 people will take part in the XIX Kukeri Games Festival "Simitliya - The Ancient Land of Kukeri" this weekend (January 14-15) in the town of Simitli. Traditionally, every year on the second Saturday of January participants from all over Bulgaria gather in the southern Bulgarian town to drive away the "evil spirits".

During the weekend full of music and dances, more than 30 kukeri groups will perform, sing and dance. People dressed as bears and bear keepers, priests, political figures, etc. will recreate ancient folk customs.

Each group will parade for about half an hour, presenting a different Survakar custom. Each year, the number of participants increases and the festival has become an emblem of the city of Simitli.

Traditionally, the interest in the holiday is very high and this year after the lifting of restrictions related to the pandemic, groups from neighboring countries will also take part in the festival, the municipality reported. Entry is free and everyone is welcome to enjoy the festive atmosphere.

Text: Veneta Nikolova



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

Momchilgrad enchants Sofia residents with Rhodopean flavors and folklore

The Eastern Rhodopes come to life in the heart of Sofia – with authentic flavoуrs, music and craftsmanship . Residents of the Bulgaria capital have a chance to immerse themselves in the atmosphere of Momchilgrad Municipality and its cultural and natural..

published on 10/4/25 7:15 AM

Beans, sausages and folk tunes: A colourful feast in the village of Zhitnitsa

The second annual Bean and Sausage Festival promises to be an unforgettable celebration of flavour and folklore in Zhitnitsa , a village in southern Bulgaria. On 7 September, the grounds of the local equestrian centre will host food lovers..

published on 9/7/25 8:05 AM
Hristo Marinov

"Living Human Treasures" and 50 artisans from three continents visit Etara Ethnographic Museum

The Regional Open-Air Ethnographic Museum "Etar" was established as a center for the study of the traditional culture of the Balkan Range people. Today, this unique site near Gabrovo serves as a place where customs and traditions from the Bulgarian..

published on 9/4/25 12:13 PM