Vazovski Jumali, Ivan Vazovo village, Kaloyanovo Municipality, Plovdiv Province, Bulgaria, 2024

The large conical hood worn by the Jumali is called a “Kavuk.”
It is decorated with different patterned cloth and tassels and filled with rye straw.

Mirrors are attached to mask to ward away evil spirits. It is said that when these demons take a look in the mirror, they will see themselves, how horrible they are, and flee in terror. Their exit will leave the village safe, healthy, and prosperous in the new year.

“The more we seek and discover our roots, the more we find ourselves”
– Spas Abrashev, Vazovski Jumal