Event Details
Welcome to the Kukeri Festival Surva in Pernik
The International Festival of Masquerade Games Surva in Pernik, Bulgaria, is the largest event of its kind across the entire Balkan Peninsula. Every January, the city centre of Pernik transforms into a spectacular display of fur costumes, carved wooden masks and enormous cowbells, as thousands of Kukeri and Survakari parade through the streets to drive away evil spirits and invoke good fortune for the year ahead. Admission is free for all visitors.
What Is the Kukeri Festival?
The Kukeri tradition is one of Bulgaria's oldest living customs, with roots stretching back over 2,000 years. Kukeri are masked men wearing elaborate, handmade costumes of animal fur and large wooden or leather masks depicting creatures such as goats, bears and demons. They carry heavy bells at the waist, and their wild dances combined with the thunderous ringing are believed to banish evil forces. A Kuker must not speak or remove his mask during the ritual, so that evil spirits cannot recognise him. The festival was inscribed in 2015 by UNESCO on the Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Since 2025, Pernik holds the official title of global centre of masquerade traditions.
Highlights
- Over 6,000 performers from approximately 100 groups representing Bulgaria and the world
- Spectacular masquerade parades featuring groups up to five metres tall
- Participants from more than 15 countries across Europe, Asia and Africa
- Traditional Surova rituals in the surrounding villages of the Pernik region
- Opening ceremony with music, dance and fire performances
- International competition judged by an expert jury
- Traditional Bulgarian food and local wine on site
- Free entry for all spectators
Program
The festival opens with an official ceremony of colour, light, music and dancing in the centre of Pernik. The highlight is the grand masquerade parade, in which groups of performers process through the streets performing their ritual dances and filling the air with the sound of bells. Costumes are often years in the making and can tower over five metres in height. An international jury awards prizes in multiple categories. Alongside the parades, traditional fire dances and village rituals take place throughout the Pernik region, including in the villages of Dolna Sekirna, Kosharevo, Meshtitsa and Yardzhilovtsi.
Tickets and Admission
The Kukeri Festival Surva is a completely free public event. No tickets are required for the parades or any part of the festival grounds. Guided tours with local specialists are available through Bulgarian tour operators for those who prefer an accompanied experience.
Visitor Tips
- Pernik is just 30 to 40 minutes by car or bus from Sofia, making it a perfect day trip.
- Regular bus and train connections link Sofia with Pernik; public transport is recommended as parking is limited during the festival.
- Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot for the parades. Large video screens are set up to help visitors further back follow the action.
- Dress warmly and waterproof, as January in Pernik can be cold and damp.
- Photographers should use fast shutter speeds to capture the motion of the dancers.
- Families with small children will enjoy the colours and energy; ear protection is advisable because of the loud bells.
- Book accommodation in Sofia rather than Pernik, as the hotel offer in the city is limited.
