The Masquerade Games in Bulgaria: Pictures

A dancer takes part in a parade during the International Festival of Masquerade Games ''Surva'' in the town of Pernik, 30 kilometers away from Sofia, Bulgaria. In ancient times the old Thracians held the Kukeri Ritual Games in honor of god Dionysus. Borislav Troshev/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
Mummers line up during the Masquerade Games in Pernik, Bulgaria. The two-day Surva festival is the largest traditional folklore event of this type across the Balkan Peninsula. Around 6000 people from every folklore region of Bulgaria participate in the pagan event. Dan Kitwood/Getty Images
Performers entertain the crowds in the town square of Pernik, Bulgaria. Dan Kitwood/Getty Images
A Kukeri performer checks the fit on his costume by shaking it around. Dan Kitwood/Getty Images
Mummers during the Masquerade Games. Dan Kitwood/Getty Images
Mummers dance in the streets with costumes made of animal skin, bells and masks, to chase away evil spirits and attract fertility. Hristo Vladev/NurPhoto
A dancer wearing mask made of animal fur takes part in the International Festival of Masquerade Games. REUTERS/Stoyan Nenov
Performers wearing SurvaKari costumes gather around a fire during the opening ceremony. Dan Kitwood/Getty Images
The Kukeri tradition is included in UNESCO's list of protected non-material cultural heritage. Dan Kitwood/Getty Images
Detail of a head dress during the Masquerade Games. Dan Kitwood/Getty Images
Mummers from a Kukeri group line up at the start of the second and final day. Dan Kitwood/Getty Images
Mummers getting dressed ahead of the parade through the city streets. Dan Kitwood/Getty Images
Petar walks with his costume ahead of the Masquerade Games. Dan Kitwood/Getty Images
Mummers dance in the streets with costumes made of animal skin, bells and masks to chase away evil spirits and attract fertility. Hristo Vladev/NurPhoto
One of the masked Kukers on the streets of Pernik, Bulgaria. Dan Kitwood/Getty Images
A young boy from a Kukeri group. Dan Kitwood/Getty Images
Dancers wearing costumes made of animal fur take part in the International Festival of Masquerade Games. REUTERS/Stoyan Nenov
Dancers wearing masks take part in the International Festival of Masquerade Games. REUTERS/Stoyan Nenov
A Croatian dancer in a parade during the International Festival of Masquerade Games. Borislav Troshev/Anadolu Agency/Getty Images
Mummers parade in the streets. Hristo Vladev/NurPhoto
A Kukeri group waits to enter the town square to be judged. Dan Kitwood/Getty Images
Dancers wearing masks take part in the International Festival of Masquerade Games. REUTERS/Stoyan Nenov
Mummers line up at the start of the second and final day. Dan Kitwood/Getty Images
A Kukeri group entertain a child as they wait to enter the town square. Dan Kitwood/Getty Images
Performers entertain the crowds on the first day of the annual Surva International Festival of the Masquerade Games. Dan Kitwood/Getty Images