Bulgarian Research Trip

Strange Cargo takes artist team to Bulgaria to research the ancient Kukeri festival.

Strange Cargo visited the ancient Kukeri festival in Bulgaria to research the sustainability of participatory festivals.

The Kukeri, one of the oldest festivals in Europe, is named for its 'Kuker' mummer figures who represent good spirits. It is completely run by the village. Costumes and huge bells worn around the waist are passed down the generations to male family members. The bells are believed to scare away evil, are made of a magical metal which has a tone believed to encourage plants to grow. The Kukeri ritualistically dance through the town, each man wearing ten or more bells. They visit each house where they are given food, wine, and rakia - a homemade spirit.