Mummers play

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. 

Some 7,500 participants from 9 countries are expected to take part in this year's edition of the international mummers festival "Surva" in Bulgaria's town of Pernik. They will present customs and traditions of ancient origin. The festival will run from 25th to 27th of January, reports BNT. 

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