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

Simitli hosts Bulgaria's biggest kukeri festival for the 21st year in a row

Photo: BTA

For the 21st consecutive year, Simitli is hosting one of the largest masquerade festivals in Bulgaria. Originally a local entertainment, "Simitli - The Ancient Land of Kukeri" has become one of the most important kukeri events in the country. Over the next two days, more than 9,000 participants from 60 kukeri groups will march through the town.

Kukeri are traditional masked dancers who take part in an ancient custom believed to ward off evil spirits and bring health, fertility and prosperity. "A parade of fairy tale characters will flood Simitli - kukeri, bears, bear handlers, survakari, elders, brides and grooms," say the organisers.

Thousands of spectators are expected to gather at the local stadium where the festival takes place to share in the excitement. The festivities will include masquerade balls, folk songs and dances, displays of folk arts and crafts, and competitions for the best kukeri costumes. "This year, several new groups will be shaking the ground in Simitli for the first time," the organisers add.

The kukeri tradition is considered one of the oldest Bulgarian customs and is of great importance in preserving the nation's cultural heritage.



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

Средна оценка: 0 - много неудовлетворен до 10 - много удовлетворен

Eurostat: Bulgarians are the most unhappy EU citizens

Bulgaria ranks last among EU Member States in terms of life satisfaction. This is according to Eurostat data for 2023 published today . With an average level of the Community indicator of 7.3 points out of 10, Bulgaria scores 5.9. Finland tops the..

published on 1/22/25 3:33 PM

The turtle in winter: The Gea Chelonia rescue centre houses over 200 inhabitants

As winter numbs the wilderness, the tortoises hibernate in their shelters, protected from the cold and outside threats. But what happens to them during this time? Where do they feel safest and when can we expect them to wake up?  In the village of..

published on 1/22/25 3:24 PM

Multimedia exhibition takes us into the studios, recalls events and voices related to the history of the Bulgarian National Radio

On January 25 this year, the Bulgarian National Radio will celebrate its 90th anniversary. The celebration will be accompanied by various initiatives, culminating in the ceremony of presenting the Annual Radio Journalism Awards "Sirak..

published on 1/22/25 1:30 PM