The ritual of Kukeri is intended to scare off unwanted evil spirits and the sounds of bells is important so the costumes are often covered in them. As well as this purpose, this tradition originally took place to ensure a good harvest and health to Bulgarian villages. This pagan like ritual has been preserved almost in its original form throughout Bulgaria though it does differ slightly in certain areas of the country, having said that the standard materials are often fur, skins, bells and of course the elaborate headdresses. The Kuker leader is dressed with seven animal skins, symbolizing the force of the animal transmitted to him. He doesn’t wear a headdress - instead his face is blackened with make up, horns are attached directly to his head, and bells are hung from his waist. The following photos are by Ivo Christov.
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