Carnival season kicks off with colorful costumes and masked performers in Bulgaria скачать в хорошем качестве

Carnival season kicks off with colorful costumes and masked performers in Bulgaria

(26 Jan 2026) RESTRICTION SUMMARY: ASSOCIATED PRESS Pernik, Bulgaria - 24 January 2026 1. Masks on the ground as performers from Bela Voda in sheepskin costumes dance, their bells ringing in rhythmic unison 2. Drummer gives rhythm to the Survakari (performers) from the Bela Voda district of Pernik 3. Mid of people dancing to the beat 4. Various of performers 5. SOUNDBITE (Bulgarian) Emilian Takov, leader of the Banishte Survakari group: ++SOUNDBITE PARTIALLY COVERED BY SHOT 4++ "With our group, we perform the "Wedding Ritual." We recreate the marriage of a young couple, followed by the birth of a small child, and this is a symbol of the fertility we expect throughout the year." 6. Various of performers from different regions and countries 7. SOUNDBITE (Bulgarian) Galina Dekova, jury member of Surva 2026 and Director of the Pernik Art Gallery: ++SOUNDBITE PARTIALLY COVERED BY SHOTS 8 - 12++ "It is vital that this living tradition continues, and that the city actively supports its preservation, as these skills can easily be lost if they are not carefully nurtured. Placing emphasis on the younger generation is especially important." 8. Wide of performers 9. Various of masked performers holding costumes 10. Close of masked performer 11. Mid of spectators 12. Various of performers STORYLINE: The streets of Pernik are alive with color and sound. Thousands of masked performers are taking part in one of Bulgaria's most vibrant and celebrated traditions. Each year the area attracts people from other villages and towns to take part in Bulgaria’s oldest carnival. The performers are known as "Kukeri" or "Survakari." Their mystic dances are performed to drive away evil spirits, celebrate the end of winter, and welcome spring with hopes of good harvests, health, and happiness. Wearing costumes crafted from sheep or goat skin, with fur on the outside, and massive copper bells that ring as they move, the performers create a spectacle to remember. Their handmade masks, often depicting animals or mythical beasts, can reach up to three meters in height. The event is now one of the biggest of its kind in the Balkans. This year the festival is celebrating its 60th anniversary. Groups from across the country contribute their distinct interpretations of the local traditions. Each region presents its own unique styles of dance and costume. "With our group, we perform the "Wedding Ritual," says Emilian Takov, leader of the Banishte Survakari group. "We recreate the marriage of a young couple, followed by the birth of a small child, and this is a symbol of the fertility we hope for throughout the year." Spectators line the streets as dancers perform to the sounds of bells and rhythmic steps that echo through the town, accompanied by vibrant displays of color and design. Galina Dekova, a jury member of Surva 2026 and Director of the Pernik Art Gallery, says its important to pass on traditions to the next generation. "These skills can easily be lost if they are not carefully nurtured. Placing emphasis on the younger generation is especially important." For the first time, the anniversary edition spans two consecutive weekends (January 17–18 and 24–25), welcoming a record number of participants and visitors. A ten-day cultural program of exhibitions, concerts, performances, workshops, and contemporary art events accompanies the grand parades, turning Pernik into a world-class stage of color, sound, and living tradition. AP Video by Valentina Petrova =========================================================== Find out more about AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/HowWeWork Twitter:   / ap_archive   Facebook:   / aparchives   ​​ Instagram:   / apnews   You can license this story through AP Archive: http://www.aparchive.com/metadata/you...