The 28th International Festival of Masquerade Games -- "Surva 2019" -- attracted a record 7,500 participants from across Europe to the Bulgarian city of Pernik. The three-day event, which started on January 25, is part of traditional winter festivities that are believed to date back to pagan times.
Scaring Away Winter's Evil Spirits At Bulgaria's Masquerade Festival
Masked dancers, known as Kukeri, take part in a parade during the 28th International Festival of Masquerade Games -- 'Surva 2019' -- in the town of Pernik, Bulgaria, January 27, 2019.
In the Surva carnival parade, the Kukeri are characters including Dionysus and his satyrs, as well as others from history such as the tsar, harachari, plyuvkachi, startzi, and pesyatzi.
In ancient times, Thracians held the Kukeri Ritual Games in honor of Dionysus -- the god of wine and ecstasy. Even today, some call the event the "Dionysus Games."
A masked dancer from the Macedonian town of Prilep.
Masked Bulgarian dancers from the village of Kosharevo.
Participants don multi-colored masks and costumes covered with fur, beads, ribbons, or woolen tassels.
The main dancers are covered with bells to drive away sickness and evil spirits.
Bulgarian dancers from the village of Kosharevo.
Visitors from China and the United States were among thousands braving chilly January weather for the annual festivities in the traditional mining town about 20 kilometers southwest of Bulgaria's capital, Sofia.
The parade celebrates the coming of spring with hopes for health and a good harvest.
A dancer from the Macedonian town of Prilep.
Masks are up to a meter in height.
Men dressed in costumes made of fur.
A Macedonian dancer.
Participants carry their masks.
Some masks are double-faced, reflecting the coexistence of good and evil.
A dancer in a costume made of fur.