Visit the Kukeri Festival Surva 2026

Name: Surva Festival
Start: 2026-01-23
End: 2026-01-25
Location: Pernik, Bulgaria

A magical tour to the folklore
carnival in Pernik, Bulgaria

Join an ancient Bulgarian tradition
Local guide who will explain all details
Comfortable transport included

Price: Starting from 60 EUR

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The Kukeri are one of the oldest and most fascinating folk rituals in Bulgaria, dating back to Thracian times. During the winter months, people across the country dress as monsters to participate in public dances and parades. The goal is to chase away evil spirits and bring prosperity, good health, and luck to everyone.

The word Kuker describes a person dressed in an elaborate costume and a mask, usually made from fur, feathers, and other materials. The masks are often intimidating and resemble bears, goats, or demons. The costumes often include large cowbells, so the Kukeri also use the power of sound to scare off evil spirits.

The largest Kukeri festival is in Pernik, just a 40-minute drive from the capital, Sofia, making it a perfect destination for a day trip. Pernik is the host of the International Bulgarian Festival of Masquerade Games, or ‘Surva’ Festival. This year, the 32nd edition will take place from January 23rd to 25th, 2026.

Join us on a tour to the Surva Festival 2026, and you’ll get to see the largest gathering of Kukeri in the world! Experience this UNESCO-recognised folk tradition up close and join the Balkan mask carnival.

Official program for Surva Festival 2026 in Pernik, Bulgaria →

Tour Details

Festival dates: January 23rd to 25th, 2026
Location: Pernik, Bulgaria
Meeting Point: In front of your hotel or other preferred location
Tour Duration: 6-7 hours
Best Period: Winter
Price for private tours: Starting from 240 EUR per vehicle
Price for group tours: 60 EUR per person
Transportation: Private transfer with a car, minivan, or bus (for group tours)
Tour Type: Historical, cultural, and local insights tour

Highlights

Enjoy all the benefits of having a knowledgeable, local tour guide at your disposal.
Learn about the history of the Surva festival, and meet the local performers.
Immerse in the sounds of cowbells, the atmosphere of fire torches, and the energy of masked dancers.
See and touch the Kukeri masks or join the dances and enjoy the Surva festival like a local.
Try traditional food and drinks typical of all the folk celebrations in Bulgaria.

Close-up of a red Kukeri mask with horns, used in Bulgarian folk festivals for warding off evil spirits.

A Kukeri performer in traditional fur costume and mask with bells on his belt, holding a staff during a Bulgarian folklore festival to scare evil spirits.

Kukeri performer in fur costume with two children in matching Kukeri outfits, part of a Bulgarian festival parade. They have traditional masks and bells.

Day Trip Options for the Surva Festival

Private Tours from Sofia to Pernik

Number of people	Price per Vehicle
Up to 3 people	240 EUR
Up to 7 people	560 EUR

What’s Included:

English-speaking private guide;
Private vehicle (car or minivan) and transport costs included;
Flexible schedule;
Pickup at your accommodation;
Possible add-ons: Boyana Church; Rila Monastery;

Group Tours from Sofia to Pernik

Number of People	Price per Person
10 to 18 people	60 EUR

English-speaking tour leader;
Start: 9 am;
End: 5 pm; (the group leaves Pernik at 5 pm)
Pickup: Alexander Nevski Cathedral

Note: The group tour will happen if at least 10 people are gathered. If a group has not been formed, we will inform you a week before the trip.

Join the Kukeri Parades

Come with us to the Kukeri Festival ‘Surva 2026’ and you won’t just be watching the event – you’ll get to live it!

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A Word From Our Past Customers

An unforgettable day with Nenko – Experiencing Surva up close!

For our trip to Bulgaria and the visit to the unique Surva Festival in Pernik, we decided to book a private tour guide – and it was the best decision we could have made!

Our heartfelt thanks go to Nenko from Private Bulgaria Tours, who managed to bring us closer to Bulgaria, its culture, and its traditions in a truly special way. We were curious whether it would even be possible to gain deeper insights into the country and its people at such a large festival – and Nenko proved that it absolutely is! With his enthusiasm, extensive knowledge, and warm personality, he allowed us to immerse ourselves in the world of the masked rituals and shared the fascinating stories behind them.

It was also important to us to travel fairly and sustainably, supporting local structures rather than just global brands. Nenko shared these values and took us to authentic encounters beyond the usual tourist paths. The day was not only informative and enriching but simply wonderful.

By the time we said goodbye in the evening, it felt like we were parting ways with a friend. We are certain that we will visit this beautiful country again – and that is largely thanks to this exceptional experience.

Blagodarya, Private Guide Bulgaria Team!

Anne, United Kingdom
We decided in October to go to the Surva festival in Pernik. Since we didn’t speak the language, we decided we needed a guide to interpret. Adriana was our contact person and was very prompt with answering any questions and very patient as we had changed the itinerary a few times and ended up adding another person to our trip. We had Simon as our guide for two days and he was awesome! I told them we needed to get to the parade route early to get a good spot. I came to see the big hairy people they were the ones I wanted to see the most and take some pictures with them. As more characters exited the area I would drag Simon here there and everywhere, handing him my phone and asking him to take pics of me. I’m so very thankful to have had him not only for interpreting the festival but also for letting me drive him everywhere for pictures.!! I bought a kukeri doll named him Simon!! So much thanks to Private Guide Bulgaria for a great trip and for Simon!!

M, USA

FAQ about Surva Festival 2026

When is the Surva Festival 2026?

The official dates are 23rd (Friday) to 25th (Sunday) January, 2026.

How to photograph the Surva Festival?

Our local guides know the best angles, less crowded spots, and the timing to capture the show. Get close shots of masks, bells, and dancing. Use fast shutter speeds to freeze motion.

What else to see when visiting the Surva Festival in Pernik?

You can combine it with visits to Sofia (the nearby capital), Plovdiv (ancient and cultural), and Rila Monastery (majestic mountain monastery). These places offer history and culture outside of the festival.

Is the Surva Festival worth visiting with a family?

Yes. Kids often love the colours, masks, music, and dancing. Tips: pick a less crowded day, bring ear protection for small children, and plan breaks. Family-friendly activities include watching the parades, exploring nearby museums, trying local food, and seeing costume exhibits.

More about the Kukeri Traditions in Bulgaria

What is Kukeri?

Kukeri is a word thought to be derived from Latin, from the word for “hood”. In Bulgaria, it is used for men who perform rituals during Kukeri festivals in Bulgaria to ward off evil spirits, and their attire is especially picturesque.

What is the meaning behind Kukeri masks and costumes?

Kukeri wear animal masks, made of wood or fur, with horns; some of the masks are even double-faced, to symbolize good and evil. They are mostly masks of rams, goats, and bulls, and can be adorned with colorful pieces of cloth, mirror pieces.

The colors in Kukeri’s masks are carefully chosen: red prevails, to remind of the revival in nature, the sun, and nature’s fertility, black is added to symbolize earth, and white stands for light and water.

Hanging on the kukeri’s waists are large bells, made from copper or brass, which sound as the performers of the ritual do their dancing.

What is the difference between Krampus and Kukeri?

Krampus is a figure from Central European, especially Alpine, folklore—part devil, part punisher. Kukeri is a Bulgarian tradition aimed more at community rituals to banish evil spirits, ensure fertility, health, and prosperity. Masks and costumes differ in style and symbolism.

What is the origin of Kukeri festivals?

Kukeri traditions have Thracian roots, pre-Christian in origin. The rituals survived through centuries, combining pagan customs with later influences.

Which Balkan winter folk festivals are similar to Kukeri?

Festivals in Romania, Greece, North Macedonia, and Serbia have similar masked and bell-ringing traditions. For example, Romania has “mascați” rituals, and in North Macedonia there are “Babari” or mummer-like festivals.

When are Kukeri festivals held?

They usually happen in winter, between the New Year and Lent. Initially, the dances performed by Kukeri took place at night to avoid being caught by the sun’s rays. But nowadays, the masked rituals happen during the day, so more spectators can participate in this Bulgarian folk ritual.

Where to see Kukeri in Bulgaria?

Top places are Pernik (for Surva: 23rd to 25th January, 2026), Razlog, Kukerlandia in Yambol (19th to 22nd February, 2026), and Shiroka Laka. Many villages also hold local versions.