The Pernik Surva Festival: A Glimpse Behind the Masks – Through the Eyes of an ESC Volunteer

When I first came to Bulgaria as an ESC volunteer, I dreamed of experiencing cultural diversity — but the Pernik Surva Festival went far beyond anything I could’ve imagined. Just a short 30-minute trip from Sofia, the small town of Pernik transforms into a completely different world every January. The festival’s name? Surva – The International Festival of Masquerade Games.

At first, I thought it was just people dancing in funny masks. But when I arrived, I was completely captivated by the depth of the traditions, the richness of the costumes, and the incredible energy of the people. The Surva Festival is rooted in an ancient pagan ritual where performers called Kukeri wear large, colorful masks and heavy bells to scare away evil spirits and welcome the new year with prosperity and health.

What struck me the most was how people of all ages came together through this tradition. Tiny children walked beside their parents carrying handmade masks, while older men danced in full costumes that looked incredibly heavy. Some of the masks were quite scary, yet also fascinating.

As an ESC volunteer, I didn’t just feel like a spectator — I felt like a participant. Together with other volunteers, we joined a workshop where we learned how the Kukeri masks are made by hand. Later, as we watched the grand parade in the city center, I could see how deeply the Bulgarian people value this tradition and how proud they are of it. In that moment, I truly felt what cultural diversity means — not just as an idea, but as something alive and vibrant.

The Pernik Surva Festival isn’t just a celebration — it’s a living bridge between past and present. Every mask tells a story. Every bell has a purpose. And I feel so lucky to have been a small part of those stories.

If you ever find yourself in Bulgaria in the winter, don’t miss this festival. It’s not just a show — it’s an experience that opens the door to another world.

SURVA FEST

SURVA FEST