Once they put the MASKS on, Once you hear the sound of the BELLS, They seem to live a NEW LIFE, WELCOME TO SURVA!!
A Huge Celebration I visited Pernik last week for the Surva International Festival of Masquerade
Games, held from January 16 to January 25, 2026. This year was very special because it was the
festival’s 60th anniversary. It was a massive event with over 12,000 participants from all over
Bulgaria and other countries. Because so many people wanted to join, the parades took place over 2
full weekends for the FIRST time in history.
A Beautiful Shock, As an Egyptian visitor, I must admit I was shocked at the beginning. In Egypt,
we are used to seeing golden, SILENT masks of Pharaohs in museums that are meant for eternity. But
here in Pernik, the masks are “ALIVE,” loud, and sometimes terrifying
The participants, called Kukeri or Survakari , wear huge masks made of wood, feathers, and animal fur
that can be over 1m tall ! They look like monsters or beasts. At first, I felt a mix of fear and
fascination.
The most intense part was the sound. The dancers wear heavy copper and iron bells around their
waists that can weigh between 20 and 70 kg. When thousands of them jump together, the sound is
deafening and you can feel the vibration in your chest.
Why Scary? I know that the masks are supposed to be ugly and scary for a good reason. The tradition
says that these scary faces chase away evil spirits and “bad luck”. The loud bells wake up the
earth for spring. It is not just a parade; it is a ritual for health and fertility.
Even though the weather was freezing cold—with temperatures below zero—the energy was hot. The
streets were crowded, but the mood was happy. People were touching the masks for good luck and
cheering for their favorite groups. The festival is so important that it is recognized by UNESCO as
a world heritage treasure.
Visiting Surva 2026 was an unforgettable experience. It was a unique mix of ancient traditions and
a modern party. For me, coming from a land of ancient history, it was incredible to see a living tradition that connects people through magic, sound, and joy. It is a “feast not to be missed”.
Marwan Elkhawaga