Three weeks ago, on 13 of March 2016 (40 days before the Bulgarian Orthodox Easter for this year) I was lucky to attend and watch the so called Starchovden (Старчовден), the day of the dancing men. The event consists of different local groups of "kukeri" performing their dance for scaring evil spirits away and ensuring a good harvest.
Why has this event been on my to-see-list for almost 10 years? Kukeri are costumed Bulgarian men with masks and big bells attached to their belt. When they move the bells make sounds, which defers depending on the size of the bell. In the town of Karlovo and the surrounding villages the word kukeri is not used, but the performers are called "starzi" (old men in Bulgarian). Lately women have also been allowed to join these groups and to perform, given the fact they have shown enough endurance to dance with the big bells.
Soak into the colourful atmosphere and these old Bulgarian traditions!
source: Jana around the world http://ift.tt/1ouHQpX
