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Masked Men Perform The Ancient Tradition Of Kuker In Southeastern Bulgaria

Pobeda village, Yambol. Bulgaria. Men dressed as scary creatures walk around the village of Pobeda, Yambol district, Bulgaria, to visit homes and take the evil spirits away. The ancient Bulgarian tradition of Kuker has been performed in the period between winter and spring, at the beginning of the new agriculture year. The masks are unique for each region of the country but usually involve large bells, bright coloured textiles and animal furs. There are roles among the Kuker groups such as the elder, the bride, the doctor, the bear and so on. The “kukers”symbolically beat the house owners with spells for good health, fertility and luck. (Photo by Denislav Stoychev/NurPhoto)

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