the Festival
Surva, the International
Festival of the Masquerade Games held in the town of Pernik is the
biggest event of this type not only in Bulgaria but on the Balkan
Peninsula as well. It promotes variations of ancient Bulgarian customs
that are still alive today. These are an important part of the
Bulgarian folklore tradition and are meant to be performed by single
men and women. With its competitive nature, the festival is not only a
venue but also a contest for the living vessels of this tradition,
namely the Kukeri and Survakari.
The Municipality of Pernik has been holding the festival ever since
1966. In 1985 the festival gained international-event status. In 1995
the International Federation of Carnival Cities accepted the town of
Pernik as its full member. In June, 2009 Pernik was proclaimed as the
European capital of Surva`s and Mumers.
The International Festival of the Masked games takes place the last
weekend of January. Its most attractive feature is its two-day parade
for masquerade companies from Bulgaria and abroad.
On average, around 6, 000 people or about 100 groups from every folklore
region of Bulgaria, as well as companies from Europe, Asia, and Africa
take part in the contest.
The contestants come here to win, to experience the atmosphere, to have
fun and, of course, to get the recognition that they have been a part
of it all.
The citizens of Pernik and visitors from other parts of Bulgaria and
abroad come to watch the show so they can be part of the magic. They
want to see the masks in person, they want to touch them for good luck
and good health and feel rejuvenated and energized when they leave.
The festival Surva
You will be touched by the magic
of the masquerade tradition that still survives in the region of
Pernik. Everything here is for real!
You will surrender to the appeal of Bulgarian folklore reinforced with
healthy helpings of food and drinks.
You will feel the creative presence of generations of exponents of the
tradition.
An incandescent fiery spectacle, bonfires and light shows will envelop
you in the festival’s mystery.
For two whole days groups from the country and abroad will show you
their unique traditions, masks and costumes in the town square and the
streets of Pernik.
Visiting groups from Europe and the rest of the world will present a
colorful multitude of customs, songs and dances.
The participants and the audience can interact freely along the parade
routes and on the improvised stages arranged throughout the town.
Interesting outdoor exhibitions will be arranged at various places in
Pernik.
Well stocked gift shops will allow you not only to admire traditional
Bulgarian arts and crafts but also to get yourselves one-of-a-kind
souvenirs.
We’ll have fun together!
The festival held in Pernik is the oldest festival of the masquerade games in Bulgaria. The official resolution to hold it for the first time was made in 1965 and the first edition was opened on January 16, 1966.
16. 01. 1966
Winter Carnival – only groups from the region of Pernik take part.
800 participants
15. 01. 1967
Second National Festival of the Kukeri and Survakari and the Spring Song and Dance Related to these Ancient Customs – Pernik `67: groups from various parts of the country attend.
Over 1300 participants
19. 01. 1969
Third National Festival of the Kukeri and Survakari and the Spring Song and Dance Related to these Ancient Customs – Pernik `69.
Over 1400 participants
17. 01. 1971
Fourth National Festival of the Kukeri and Survakari and the Spring Song and Dance Related to these Ancient Customs – Pernik `71
Over 1300 participants
20. 01. 1974
Fifth National Festival of the Kukeri and Survakari and the Spring Song and Dance Related to these Ancient Customs – Pernik `74
Over 2000 participants
16 - 17. 01.1977
Sixth National Festival of the Kukeri and Survakari and the Spring Song and Dance Related to these Ancient Customs – Pernik `77
Over 2000 participants
27 - 28. 01.1980
Seventh National Festival of the Kukeri and Survakari – Pernik `80
Over 3000 participants
19 - 21. 01.1985
Eight National Festival of the Kukeri and Survakari – Pernik `85. Groups from foreign countries attended the festival for the first time in its history.
2800 participants
20 - 22. 01. 1990
Ninth Festival of the Kukeri and Survakari from Bulgaria and Abroad – Pernik `90
3100 participants
4 - 8.02. 1993
Tenth Jubilee Edition of the International Folklore Festival of the Masquerade/Surva Winter Games and Kukeri Pre-Spring Games and Customs – Pernik `93
2000 participants
19 - 22. 01. 1996
Eleventh International Folklore Festival of the Masquerade/Surva Winter Games and Kukeri Pre-Spring Games and Customs – Pernik `96”
3000 participants
22 - 25. 01. 1998
Twelfth International Folklore Festival of the Masquerade Games Pernik `98
3000 participants
21 - 23. 01. 2000
Surva, Thirteenth International Festival of the Masquerade Games – Pernik ‘2000
Over 3500 participants
18 - 20. 01. 2002
Surva, Fourteenth International Festival of the Masquerade Games – Pernik ‘2002
5056 participants
23 - 25.01. 2004
Surva, Fifteenth International Festival of the Masquerade Games – Pernik ‘2004
5250 participants
27 - 29.01.2006
Surva, Sixteenth International Festival of the Masquerade Games – Pernik ‘2006
4848 participants
25 - 27.01.2008
Surva, Seventeen International Festival of the Masquerade Games – Pernik ‘2008
5808 participants
23 - 25.01.2009
Surva, Eighteen International Festival of the Masquerade Games – Pernik ‘2009
5089 participants
29 - 31.01.2010
Surva, XIX International Festival of the Masquerade Games – Pernik ‘2010
6000 participants
28-30.01.2011
Surva, XX International Festival of the Masquerade Games – Pernik ‘2011
6104 participants
27-29.01.2012
Surva, XXI International Festival of the Masquerade Games – Pernik ‘2012
6255 participants
28-30.01.2013
Surva, XXII International Festival of the Masquerade Games – Pernik ‘2013
6142 participants
27-29.01.2014
Surva, XXIII International Festival of the Masquerade Games – Pernik ‘2014
6379 participants
30.01 - 01.02.2015
Surva, XXIV International Festival of the Masquerade Games – Pernik ‘2015
Over 5300 participants
29.01 - 31.01.2016
Surva, XXV Jubilee International Festival of the Masquerade Games – Pernik ‘2016
6500 participants