Surva Festival, Bulgaria

January 2026

Last weekend I had the amazing opportunity to visit SURVA festival in Bulgaria. An ancient tradition with performances to chase away evil spirits and welcome health, fertility, and good harvests.

To do so, people wear beast-like costumes and terrifying masks, many made from animal fur, horns, feathers and carved wood, symbolising the connection between humans and nature. Heavy bells hang from leather belts around their waists, making loud, clanging sounds. Each costume is a piece of folk art.

To this day, the exact origin of the tradition is still a mystery. Bulgarian culture has faced many challenges including the ottoman rule and the communist era. Many regimes tried to stamp out the tradition. But it always survived.

Walking through the crowds was an overwhelmingly cool experience. The energy was intense, I could feel my heart racing, my eyes wide with astonishment. The incredible costumes, sound of bells, folklore music, people dancing, and the smell of animal fur and straw. The spirit of the people was contagious. Their emotions beaming from their faces, joyful and proud of their costumes and heritage.

This experience has made me want to travel more to witness and photograph cultural events and folklore traditions like these.