The masked characters in this region are called “startsi” (“Elders”, the local dialect word for Kukeri).
In Voynyagovo, the outfits differ significantly from the others of Karlovo region. The decoration above the head (“kilyaf”) is a light wooden structure fastened by special iron straps across the chest and decorated with colorful tassels, beads, old coins, and mirrors. The mirrors are essential to keep away ghosts and evil energies. It is said that should the ghosts come near, they will see their own horrible reflection in the mirror and flee in fear. On the Kuker Day (“STARCHOVDEN”) , there used to be traditional scuffles between masked and the non-masked people as they believed “to flow a little blood” would contribute to a better grape harvest and prosperity.
Supporting text: kukeri-karlovsko.weebly.com/
