kukeri

Towards the end of winter in Bulgarian villages all over the country, the clanging of a multitude of cow bells will seize your attention as a parade of figures known as kukeri, often similar in appearance to those creatures found in the American kid's book Where the Wild Things Are, march through the village and chase away any lingering evil spirits.

Archive 2009-04-01 Wil Dalton 2009

Towards the end of winter in Bulgarian villages all over the country, the clanging of a multitude of cow bells will seize your attention as a parade of figures known as kukeri, often similar in appearance to those creatures found in the American kid's book Where the Wild Things Are, march through the village and chase away any lingering evil spirits.

Kukeri Wil Dalton 2009

We also enjoyed the one that ended with the kukeri jumping over a fire and the one that had a large man beating two other men pushing a plow with a giant branch.

Archive 2009-04-01 Wil Dalton 2009

They shake their sticks, dance around, and nowadays, attract crowds from all over the country to festivals where kukeri groups get to show off their elaborate costumes and rituals.

Archive 2009-04-01 Wil Dalton 2009

We went to Shiroka Luka last year for their annual kukeri festival and enjoyed it so much, we convinced some of our Bulgarian friends to join us this year.

Archive 2009-04-01 Wil Dalton 2009

We went to Shiroka Luka last year for their annual kukeri festival and enjoyed it so much, we convinced some of our Bulgarian friends to join us this year.

Kukeri Wil Dalton 2009

We also enjoyed the one that ended with the kukeri jumping over a fire and the one that had a large man beating two other men pushing a plow with a giant branch.

Kukeri Wil Dalton 2009

They shake their sticks, dance around, and nowadays, attract crowds from all over the country to festivals where kukeri groups get to show off their elaborate costumes and rituals.

Kukeri Wil Dalton 2009