The word ‘kuker’ comes from the Latin word ‘cuculla,’ meaning ‘hood.’ It describes Bulgaria’s folkloric monsters, men dressed in ornate suits of fur, ribbons, beads and bells.
Every movement in their rituals comes with symbolic meaning. Their bell ringing keeps the community safe from evil spirits and sickness, their jumping encourages the corn to grow high in the new year’s harvest, their swaying represents wheat that is heavy with grain.
Every year between the first and second Sunday prior to Lent (Zagovezni) the kukeri in the East of Bulgaria perform their rituals. The Kukerlandia festival is held annually in the town of Yambol within this period. Dozens of kukeri groups take part, and thousands of people assemble to watch.
