Bulgarian Research Trip

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

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

The Kukeri, one of the oldest festivals in Europe, is named after its 'Kuker' mummer figures, who represent good spirits. Entirely organized by the village, the festival features costumes and large bells worn around the waist, which are passed down through generations to male family members. The bells, made from a magical metal, are believed to scare away evil and produce a tone that encourages plant growth. During the festival, the Kukeri perform ritualistic dances through the town, each man wearing ten or more bells. They visit each house, where they are offered food, wine, and rakia—a homemade spirit.