More than 7,000 people will take part in the XIX Kukeri Games Festival "Simitliya - The Ancient Land of Kukeri" this weekend (January 14-15) in the town of Simitli. Traditionally, every year on the second Saturday of January participants from all over Bulgaria gather in the southern Bulgarian town to drive away the "evil spirits".

During the weekend full of music and dances, more than 30 kukeri groups will perform, sing and dance. People dressed as bears and bear keepers, priests, political figures, etc. will recreate ancient folk customs.

Each group will parade for about half an hour, presenting a different Survakar custom. Each year, the number of participants increases and the festival has become an emblem of the city of Simitli.

Traditionally, the interest in the holiday is very high and this year after the lifting of restrictions related to the pandemic, groups from neighboring countries will also take part in the festival, the municipality reported. Entry is free and everyone is welcome to enjoy the festive atmosphere.

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Text: Veneta Nikolova