IAIJ
Joined: 01 May 2011 Posts: 4 Location: Toronto, Canada - London, England
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Posted: Fri Jan 24, 2025 9:50 am Post subject: Keeping Tradition Alive: A Day with the Kukeri in Krupnik |
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Keeping Tradition Alive: A Day with the Kukeri in Krupnik
By Diana V. Nikolova (Bulgaria)
Every New Year’s Day, the small village of Krupnik in southwestern Bulgaria comes alive with the Kukeri tradition. Known locally as Babugeri, this is more than just a celebration - it’s a piece of history and culture that the community keeps alive. I went there to see it for myself, and what I found was a tradition full of energy, pride, and meaning.
The Kukeri, dressed in their traditional fur costumes, walk through the village streets as they prepare for their ritual.
The Kukeri ritual goes back thousands of years to Thracian times. Back then, it was a way to scare off evil spirits and bring good fortune for the New Year. When I asked the mayor of Krupnik about its origins, he explained that this tradition has been passed down by the grandfathers of their grandfathers. It is, in fact, a pagan ritual established before Christ, particularly in the region of southern Bulgaria where Krupnik is located. According to him, the ritual has remained unchanged over the centuries, except that the hives now have longer hair.
I arrived in the village before sunrise, and it was still dark and cold. In the square, men in heavy fur costumes were gathered around a fire. Their costumes, some weighing up to 40 kilograms, glowed in the firelight. It felt like stepping back in time. As the sun came up, the men started visiting houses around the village.
The Kukeri performers continue their ritual under the bright sunlight, with the majestic snowcapped mountains of southwestern Bulgaria framing the scene.
At each house, they performed dances, stomping and jumping to the loud clanging of bells tied around their waists. The sound was so loud it felt like it filled the whole valley. People came out of their homes to greet the performers, give small donations, and watch the show. Everyone smiled and seemed excited to be part of it.
The Kukeri costumes are made with intricate details, including braided accents and carefully crafted fur.
What struck me was how every part of the ritual had a purpose. The fur costumes and masks turned the performers into protective figures, while the bells were meant to scare away anything bad. The dances symbolized renewal and hope for the year ahead. It’s amazing how these ancient meanings still matter to the people here.
The group dances with precision and energy, their movements symbolizing renewal and hope for the year ahead.
What made it even more special was how the whole community was involved. Families worked together for weeks to prepare, making costumes and practicing dances. Even kids joined in, learning the steps and hearing the stories behind the tradition. It wasn’t just a performance - it was something they all shared and passed down.
Walking in unison, the Kukeri bring a sense of unity and history to the streets of Krupnik.
In a world where many old customs are disappearing, the Kukeri tradition feels rare and important. For the people of Krupnik, it’s a way to stay connected to their roots. For visitors like me, it’s a chance to see something real and unforgettable.
As I left the village, I couldn’t stop thinking about what I had seen. The Kukeri isn’t just a show – it’s a living tradition. It’s a reminder of how important it is to keep our history and culture alive. If you ever have the chance, visit Krupnik. The energy of the Kukeri will stay with you long after the costumes are put away. |
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