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All Bulgaria Pernik Surva Carnival at Pernik

Surva Carnival at Pernik

Founded in the 4th-century, the town of Pernik plays host to the Surva Carnival⁠—a magnificent display of masked Kukeri dancers.

Pernik, Bulgaria

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Jason
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Kukeri during the Surva festival in 2023   SwapnilArjun
Kukeri during the Surva festival in 2023   SwapnilArjun
Kukeri during the Surva festival in 2023   Sjordanov / CC BY-SA 4.0
Surva Carnival.   Klearchos Kapoutsis
Surva Carnival.   Klearchos Kapoutsis
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About

The  International Festival of Masquerade Games, also known as Surva, is an annual event where dancers called Kukeri adorn colorful masks, traditional dress, and scary costumes. The event has its roots in traditions practiced by the Thracians who once inhabited the area.

Meant to drive out evil spirits and encourage a good harvest, the fearsome Kukeri dancers can actually be seen in villages across Bulgaria. However, to witness the largest of example these dancers, Pernik is the place to go.

Related Tags

Religion Masks Tradition Carnival Festivals

Know Before You Go

The town of Pernik sits just over 18 miles south of Sofia. The town contains ancient ruins and a plethora of museums. However, the best time to visit is in January during the Surva Carnival.

Community Contributors

Added By

Jason S

Edited By

Michelle Cassidy

  • Michelle Cassidy

Published

July 3, 2019

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Sources
  • https://www.andrey-andreev.com/
  • https://bulgariaphototour.com
  • http://www.en.surva.org/
  • http://bulgariatravel.org/article/details/129#map=6/42.779/23.763
Surva Carnival at Pernik
Pernik, 2306
Bulgaria
42.605186, 23.037837

Nearby Places

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Pernik, Bulgaria

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miles away

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Pernik, Bulgaria

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Pernik

Pernik

Bulgaria

Places 2

Nearby Places

Underground Mining Museum

Pernik, Bulgaria

miles away

Bankya Residence

Bankya, Bulgaria

miles away

Water of Life Spring

Pernik, Bulgaria

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Pernik

Pernik

Bulgaria

Places 2

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