Bulgaria Inside

Koukeri dances are one of Bulgaria’s symbols. The ritual dates back to the pagan past of the country and served various purposes. Most often, koukeri chased away the evil and brought health and wealth.

The ritual varies from one part of Bulgaria to another. One thing never changes, only young and single men participate. A man is chosen to lead the group and he has to be married. People used to choose the wealthiest man in the village, or the father of twins.

Some parts of the country lack a leading dancer. Two men act as a couple and one dresses as a braid and the other as a groom. All others wear furry coats and belts that have bells hanging from them. All of the men wear masks or paint their faces.

Koukeri masks differ. Some are tiny, others are large. Leather, feathers, fur and bells are used in the preparation. The masks symbolize animals or people, most often old men and women.

Each dancer has a specific role. Koukeri dance on New Year’s Eve. They present various scenes from everyday life and hosts usually give the dancers food and wine in return.

The ritual usually ends on the main village square. Italy and Spain have similar traditions and the resemblance is striking.