Masopust

Despite the cancellation of the main Surva festival in the town of Pernik this year because of a water supply crisis, Bulgarians took to the streets independently at the weekend in elaborate 'kuker' costumes for their annual winter carnival.

Some 800 participants from all over the country are expected at the 21st Festival of Masquerade Games in Stara Zagora on March 9, the Municipality said. The organisers expect the arrival of 19 companies, including six of children. Each company will present a custom typical of its hometown before a four-member jury.

 Scary giant kuker masks under the Largo dome in Sofia have become a photo attraction for city residents and guests. They are a trademark of the Yambol International Masquerade Festival Kukerlandia, which this year celebrates its 20th anniversary, the Municipality of Yambol said.

Masked revelers in colorful hand-made costumes thronged the streets of Pernik in Bulgaria on Sunday, warding off evil spirits and celebrating the beginning of spring with hopes for good health and a good harvest, reports Reuters. 

In ancient Bulgaria, wearing masks was believed to provide protection from evil, ensure a successful harvest, and guarantee health and fertility for humans and farm animals

276 cartoons, 32 of them Bulgarian, participate in the Golden Kuker Film Festival in Sofia. It begins on May 7, and there will be free screenings.

For the ninth time, Golden Kuker presents the best animations from 94 countries, including Bulgaria. Viewers will experience exciting stories and an impressive vision created with all the means of expression of fine arts and cinema.

Bulgarians are making the first of its kind animated series. As explained by the creators, the movie will be based on traditional Bulgarian folklore and mythology.