Kukeri, Village of Malomir, Toundzha Municipality, Yambol District [BULGARIA]
Kukeri bounce together, ringing the bells attached to their belts, performing rituals to chase away ghosts and evil spirits. This is how with the coming of Spring the spectators of the kukeri take a communion, immersing themselves in the tumult, wealth of colour, and sorcery of fertility rites.
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.
