The festival will take place on January 10 and 11

Kukeri Festival in Bulgaria’s Simitli will revive living magic and tradition

“Simitlia – The Ancient Land of the Kukeri” brings together masquerade groups from all corners of Bulgaria

Saturday, 10 January 2026, 06:05

Kukeri Festival in Bulgaria’s Simitli will revive living magic and tradition

PHOTO Facebook/Simitlia: The Ancient Land of the Kukeri

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PHOTO simitli.info

The event will be held at the “Septemvri” town stadium, as the organizers from the Municipality of Simitli promise two days filled with traditions, noise, and color, accompanied by the powerful ringing of bells echoing in the rhythm of the ancient Kukeri (mummers) custom.

PHOTO Facebook/Simitlia: The Ancient Land of the Kukeri

“Simitlia – The Ancient Land of the Kukeri” brings together masquerade groups from all corners of Bulgaria. They will parade before the audience, presenting a rich variety of customs, costumes, and rituals characteristic of their respective regions. Expectations are for a record number of participants.

PHOTO Facebook/Simitlia: The Ancient Land of the Kukeri

“The Kukeri tradition is not just a custom - it is living magic that connects the past with the present. Every mask carries a character, every bell holds memory, and every step on the festival arena preserves the strength of our ancestors. In Simitli, different customs, regions, and styles come together, all united by the desire to preserve the spirit of Bulgaria,” say the organizers of one of the most colorful Kukeri festivals in the country.

PHOTO Facebook/Simitlia: The Ancient Land of the Kukeri

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Photos: Facebook/Simitlia: The Ancient Land of the Kukeri, simitli.info

Edited by Veneta Nikolova
English: R. Petkova

This publication was created by: Rositsa Petkova