Surva Festival 2025 in Bulgaria

Every year, masquerade groups worldwide come to Pernik to contribute to and witness the magic of the Bulgarian International Festival of Masquerade Games “Surva.” This mummer-like event takes place annually at the end of January and features hundreds of participants wearing pagan costumes, traditional attire, dance and music ensembles, and marching bands.

Festival Program

Drawing in around 12,000 people, Surva Festival promiss numerous masquerade processions, fairs, and performances. Within two days, about 5,000-6,000 people represent about 90 masquerade groups from different ethnographic regions of Bulgaria, and guests from other countries participate in the festival too. At the end of Surva, the contest's jury determines the best carnival mask and the best costume while the audience selects their winner.

The festival's opening ceremony is usually accompanied by a night gala concert of folk music groups and a musical laser show or fireworks. There is even a torchlight procession followed by kukeri performance. The show is mesmerizing–with drumming performances, folk dancing, celebratory speeches, and fire shows, it's one of the biggest events in the Pernik region. During the festival, you will have a chance to participate in numerous workshops as well as visit exhibitions and shop at souvenirs stalls in the central square.

Masquerade Performances

The traditional folk performances at the square are one of the festival's highlights. Here, you'll witness the group of survakari–Bulgarian men dressed in elaborate costumes, with bells attached to their belts. The name differs, depending on the region. Their dancing and the sound of bells are said to ward away evil spirits. A similar custom from certain regions of Bulgaria is called babugeri, during which men dress in full-blown animal costumes and resemble a yeti-like creature. Jamalari is another name for a masked performer popular in Bulgarian folklore.

The attire is made of goat fur and is quite heavy, while the masks are usually crafted with goat and sheep skins, feathers, corn cobs, and other materials. The craftsmanship behind the costumes is another notable thing about the festival, with their creation considered a ritual in itself, showcasing skill and tradition.

The Town of Pernik

Situated in western Bulgaria, Pernik is one of the biggest towns after Sofia. It sits on the banks of Struma River, which divides the city in two parts. The majority of the festivities unfold at the Krakra Pernishki square and in the centre of the city. Another local landmark worth visiting, is the Pernik Museum of Mining, focused on the fascinating history of coal mining.