Mummers are to parade in central Plovdiv (Central South Bulgaria) this afternoon. The parade will begin at 16.30 pm in front of the Military Club-Plovdiv, the BNR Plovdiv reports. The event is linked to the folk customs on Cheesefare Sunday (which marks the beginning of Christian fasting) when people give forgiveness and ask for forgiveness. The mummers perform rituals for health and fertility. The ancient Slavic ritual "Maslenitsa", which is part of the folk calendar of the Russian-speaking communities, will be reenacted on the Small Main Street.

The two-day Masquerade Festival "Kukerlandia" continues in the town of Yambol (Southeastern Bulgaria). More than 50 folklore groups from all over the country are attending the festival. The festival is related to customs of chasing the evil spirits away, meeting the spring and awakening the earth. Mummer processions will take place in other Bulgarian cities as well.

• Cheesefare Sunday reminds us of the meaning of forgiveness and Christ’s infinite love