Ritual performed at сурва, Pernik, Bulgaria
The Zvončari (“bellmen”) custom dates to Slavic pagan antiquity. Their key duty is to scare away evil spirits of winter and to stir up a new spring-time cycle.
Local legend claims that it was the Zvončari that scared away invading Turks during the Ottoman conquest, with shepherds doning masks on their heads, along with belted-on bells, produced a deafening noise that frightened the enemy away.
The standard Zvončar costume includes white trousers, striped shirt, and a sheepskin throw. In their hands they hold a “balta” or “bačuka” — a stylized mace, and around the waist one or more big brass bells.
