SURVAFEST 2024
photos and text : matteo bergami
The Surva Festival is an annual event held in Pernik, Bulgaria, celebrating the country's ancient pagan traditions and rich folkloric culture. Now in its 30th edition, the festival attracts visitors from around the world to immerse themselves in the captivating world of masks and ancient rituals. Originally conceived to ward off evil spirits and bring fertility and prosperity to agricultural communities, the festival features mask parades, competitions for the best traditional performances, musical exhibitions, and theatrical shows.
The traditional masks, crafted by skilled local artisans, transform the streets of Pernik into a living theater of mythical characters and fantastical creatures during the last week of January. In addition to celebrating historical roots, the Surva Festival is dedicated to preserving and passing down these traditions to future generations, encouraging young Bulgarians and others to actively participate and learn traditional craft techniques.
With its competitive nature, the festival is not just an event but also a contest for the living guardians of these traditions, the Kukeri and Survakari. Beyond traditional Bulgarian performances, the festival welcomes groups from Europe, Asia, and Africa, showcasing a diverse array of costumes, songs, and dances.
During the festival, participants and audiences freely interact along the parade routes and on impromptu stages, creating a vibrant and engaging atmosphere. The Surva Festival continues to shine as one of Bulgaria's and the world’s cultural gems, keeping alive a rich heritage of creativity, joy, and human connection.
