How a Bulgarian Village Dances Evil Spirits Away | Kukeri | The New Yorker Documentary

Once a year, the Bulgarian tradition of Kukeri unites a small village as residents wear intricate masks and costumes and dance at night. Killian Lassablière chronicles the practice in his short documentary.

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[vivwnv]

As a bulgarian who has participated in Kukeri, this actually made me tear up. I am really gratefull that you've created this masterpiece. And we as bulgarians should be proud

[troygaspard]

These costumes are shamanistic, and are totally unique. Bulgaria is full of beauty.

[RawHeadRay]

Love how this is shot and cut, the mood, the tone, the pace, this isn’t your $20 Craigslist crew, This is an A-Team.

[BsktImp]

05:23 "Evil is when we don't want to be together". Wow, that sentence is so profound.
I know the costumes and dancing are supposed to scare evil spirits but they're just too entertaining. Must be highlight of the spirits' year.

[dolphins]

This looks so similar to some West African shamanistic traditions. So cool to see world cultures that have so much in common. All Spirituality is truly the same at its roots. 😊

[seb]

As a non bulgarian, I have to say this is probably one of the coolest and most powerful I've ever seen. Too bad it's just on a screen and I hope someday I'll get to see it in real life. Completely mystical otherworldly and divine. I'm grateful for humans to create such beauty in this world. Thank you Bulgaria 🇧🇬

[pavladavlas]

We have something similar in Slovenia - kurenti. The kurent is one of the traditional carneval masks here in Slovenia, and they look very similar to these Bulgarian masks. They’re made of either white or black wool, have horns, some have long tongues and all of them carry heavy cowbells on their belts. As they run around, the bells ring, which supposedly chases away the winter.

[loniivanova]

Believe me... watching this tradition live with the people, costumes is experience that can change you...very spiritual and with deep roots. Thank you for representing Bulgaria with respect!

[djo]

This is what the internet was made for. The discovery of other peoples with their customs and rituals. I'm so glad I came across this. It was very enlightening.

[sharon]

I’m not even Bulgarian, but I felt this on such a soul level.

[kieDkiee]

Haunting and beautiful. I have always thought these traditions among various cultures of dressing up as otherworldly, scary creatures to scare away bad spirits is such an innately human thing. It acknowledges that yes, there are evil, horrible things that go bump in the night. But we can be scarier. We can make them fear us.

[jamiel]

First, the cinematographer on this is GORGEOUS. I'm a fan of some beautiful filming. Second, I love it. As someone who grew up in the black church this speaks to me. I went to a church where we were shouting, stomping and speaking in tongues so I appreciate and respect another cultures way of standing strong in there faith and keeping evil at bay. I would love the opportunity to see this in person and to feel the energy.

[anasmferreira]

Simply stuning!!
In Portugal, we have the Caretos that make a Pagan ritual in the beggining of the Spring time, just like the Kukeri.
Amazing how this traditions survive and conect people!
Greetings to Bulgaria 🥰

[BlackCoffeeee]

That's why I love Europe. It's a modern first world continent yet it's steeped in ancient and mystic tradition. Bulgaria is one of the most beautiful and mystic countries there.

[KateKosmo]

As a Native American this reminds me of our traditions. 🥰 Isn't it ironic we didn't know each other or of each other's existence, yet we both dance away the evil spirits...🤔

[chivonfortney]

My ancestors the Native Americans warriors and shamans did similar spiritual dances and songs too. This lights a spark of fire in my heart. ❤ I had goose chills down both arms!!!

[piccalillipit]

*I TRAVELED IN 55 COUNTRIES OVER 30 YEARS* when It came time to settle down - I chose Bulgaria... 14 very VERY happy years so far.

I missed the Kukeri in my town this year for some reason. Its truly wonderful, as is the country and the people.

[uqioskl]

who ever did the filming deserves an oscar. incredible pictures

[Cucumber_Jones]

I'm an American expat who lived in Sofia for many years. I went to this same festival in the north of the country, and it was incredible. Magic. Like traveling back in time and communing with something primal. I'm thankful I got to experience that. Bulgaria is awesome! 🙌🏻

[janna]

It amazes me that I can understand bulgarian and I live in Croatia...it AMAZES me how SLAVIC languages are very similar...