Surva tradition comes to life on the walls of a six-story building in Pernik

Masks, horns and heavy bells — a new mural inspired by the kukeri tradition and the International Festival of Masquerade Games Surva in Pernik transforms the façade of a six-story building into a kind of stage for one of Bulgaria’s most recognizable folk traditions.

The impressive “GHOSTBUSTERS” project covers two walls measuring 18 by 15 meters in total. It was created by the visual artists of Fine Graff Art Studio, whose mission is to promote contemporary art in Bulgaria by making it part of the urban environment and a place for encounters with important cultural themes and local stories.

In their latest work, the title also carries a symbolic meaning, making a direct reference to the kukeri as ones who drive away evil. They are central figures in the ancient winter ritual of “Surva”, in which masks, bells, and ritual actions have a symbolic protective function. This tradition also forms the basis of the International Festival of Masquerade Games Surva which every January brings together masquerade groups from Bulgaria and abroad.

The first composition conveys the raw and imposing presence of the kukeri figure. The second features this ancient guardian alongside the face of a young person from Pernik, who not only observes the tradition but takes part in it and embraces it as part of his identity.

The artwork, now part of the everyday urban environment, was created in less than two weeks. It can now be freely viewed and photographed in the center of Pernik.

Edited by Elena Karkalanova

Translated by Kostadin Atanasov