kuker

Kukeri are Bulgarian folk characters, typically men dressed in elaborate costumes and masks, who perform rituals to drive away evil spirits and ensure a good harvest. These costumes are traditionally made of animal hides and covered with bells, often weighing several kilograms. The masks are usually frightening, designed to intimidate malevolent forces. Kukeri traditions are most prominent in the villages of southern Bulgaria and are most commonly practiced during the period between Christmas and Lent, with the main festival often occurring on the "Forgiveness" Sunday (Proshka).

The origin of kukeri rituals is believed to be ancient, possibly pre-Christian, linked to fertility rites and the celebration of the coming spring. The act of performing the dances, leaping, and ringing the bells is intended to awaken the earth and ward off bad luck, illness, and infertility. The kukeri themselves are considered sacred during the ritual period, and they often visit every house in the village, performing their dances and even playfully teasing the inhabitants. The women of the village typically remain indoors during the kukeri's visit, as it is believed to be unlucky for them to see the kukeri before they have completed their purification rites. The specific customs and names for these characters can vary from region to region within Bulgaria, but the core purpose of purification and fertility remains consistent.