site.btaParades Begin at Surva International Festival of Masquerade Games in Pernik
The competitive parades of the 32nd edition of the Surva International Festival of Masquerade Games began in Pernik Saturday. Various masquerade groups, including kukeri and survakari (masked men wearing elaborate costumes, performing traditional Bulgarian dances and rituals to scare away evil spirits, often translated as mummers in English) are presenting their performances before the jury and thousands of spectators. The day’s programme also includes participants from Italy, Croatia, Serbia, France, Slovenia, North Macedonia, Greece, Portugal, Spain and the United States.
Krasimir Yordanov, bolyukbashi (group leader) of the participating survakari group from the Hristo Botev 1928 Community Centre in the nearby town of Radomir, said that the group includes children as young as four, while the oldest participant is 65. According to him, the group is made up mainly of boys and young men who eagerly await both the local Surva celebration and the accompanying festival events. Preparations begin at least two months in advance.
For Boyko Boyanov, mayoral deputy of the Pernik village of Selishten dol and an active festival participant, Surva is “a great feeling” and a living tradition that will continue thanks to the young bearers of the custom within the group. He described the feeling of being a survakar as indescribable and stressed that the hallmark of their formation is its authentic costumes.
“Our outfits and masks are made of hides and natural materials. The group numbers between 30 and 40 people. Every year, on the night of January 13–14, we hold a local Surva celebration, and on the 14th we go from house to house wishing for health, abundance and the banishment of evil forces. The group has existed for more than 50 years, and we look forward to this time of year with great anticipation,” Boyanov added.
Since last year, Stefania has also joined the survakari from Selishten dol. “I have liked the festival since I was little. I decided to take part, and here I am,” she said. She wears a belt with bells which, she noted, are not heavy but are extremely loud.
Andrea from the Kovachevtsi group also singled out her formation as one of the best in the Pernik region. She said they are recognisable by their blue and orange masks and costumes. “For me, Surva is a wonderful experience that I wish everyone could live through and feel,” she said.
The 32nd edition of the Surva International Festival of Masquerade Games marks 60 years since its first staging in 1966 and is held under UNESCO's auspices. The official opening took place Friday. Over the four festival days at Krakra Pernishki Square, nearly 13,000 masqueraders from Bulgaria and abroad are expected to take part.
The Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) is a media partner of the 32nd Surva International Festival of Masquerade Games.
/MY/
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