Every year, during the first week of
March, a folk carnival is held in the Rhodope village of
Shiroka Luka, known by the name Pesponedelnik. This
traditional ritual has roots in pagan times and represents a
symbolical re-enactment of the creation of the world.
Dancers, wearing hair-raising masks and monster-like attire,
perform different dances and moves, which are believed to
scare away the evil spirits of winter and to help bring
health and good fortune to the people, as well as fertility
to the land.
The groups of masked dancers - called
Koukeri - gather from all over the country to perform their
regional types of dances. The beautiful folk music, the
quaint masks and the unique atmosphere make this festival a
real celebration of the spirit and allow you to experience a
taste of ancient times while partaking in the delicious
local food. This is a truly memorable experience.
