Surva Festival - where fantastical creatures ward off evil spirits

Wearing fearsome masks and imposing costumes these fantastical creatures sure do make a terrifying sight. These costumed men are taking part in the ancient ritual of Kukeri at the Surva International Festival of Masquerade Games in the village of Pernik, Bulgaria. Terrifyingly the men - known as Kukeri - enter houses in the village, clanging their bells to ward off evil spirits. Held at the beginning of February, the tradition has its roots in pre-Roman Bulgaria.

Gallery View:Surva Festival - where fantastical creatures ward off evil spirits
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  1. A kukeri from Pernik gestures menacingly at the camera during the opening of the festival. The mask is supposed to protect the wearer from the influence of evil spirits, according to folklore. The tra
  2. Kukeri from Razlog pose after performing in their goat fur costumes. The eye-catching costumes are designed to look as sinister as possible (Amos Chapple / Rex Features)
  3. Kukeri from the Basque Country, Spain dressed in the unusual costumes. In recent years the festival has expanded to include countries with similar traditions, including Spain, Palestine, Indonesia and
  4. A father and son from Pernik in bear costumes made from dried conifer branches (Amos Chapple / Rex Features)
  5. Kukeri leave the main square after the grand parade and performances. More than 5,000 people take part in the annual festival from 90 folklore groups (Amos Chapple / Rex Features)
  6. A kukeri from Pernik marches around a bonfire (Amos Chapple / Rex Features)
  7. Kukeri and their horse from Blagoevgrad in costume. Similar events also take place on Sirni Zagovezni (the Sunday before Lent) and on Todorova Nedelia (the Sunday before the start of the Easter Fast)
  8. A kukeri from Pernik, Bulgaria marches around a bonfire on the opening night of the festival. The masks and costumes are specific to regions in Bulgaria (Amos Chapple / Rex Features)
  9. Kukeri from the town of Straldzha don colourful masks (Amos Chapple / Rex Features)
  10. Spectators dressed in costumes join in the fun (Amos Chapple / Rex Features)

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