Thousands Flock to Bulgaria's Rhodope for Rite of Spring

The horrific masks of the kukeri are designed to scare away evil spirits. Photo by BGNES

The tiny Rhodope Mountains village of Shiroka Luka in southern Bulgaria expects some 6,000 guests for its traditional Kukeri dance Sunday.

Bulgaria's kukeri ritual, carried out at the inception of spring, is dedicated to chasing away evil spirits, including those of winter, and involves men dressed in scary garb.

Kukeri teams are expected to arrive in Shiroka Luka from across the country. Hotels and guesthouses in the neighboring villages are full.

Official guests will include ambassador of Belgium to Bulgaria Mark Michaelsen and Smolyan mayor Dora Yankova.

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