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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[@vivwnv8228]

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

[@Trund27]

Bulgaria is on my bucket list to visit - I want to see the Valley of Roses! 🌹 Bless your beautiful country.

[@amiraxperimentalx]

It's beautiful! Here in Portugal we have the "Caretos de Podence" and "Caretos de Lazarim" for example. I wonder if they all have the same roots!

[@Azzam_Alqudsi]

ever wanted to go Africa and see the Zangbeto rituals?

[@tennisfameguy]

People who aren’t superstitious aren’t people? That makes me tear up, too, but probably not for the same reason.

[@blazingstar9638]

❤

[@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.

[@Merryu345]

❤

[@MekareP]

🙄

[@xn9333]

Sad as we in the west are deracinated to the point that we don't see it as wrong when not together

[@MissMeggypoo]

She is spot on. People lack unity these days; tradition brings people together for a common purpose.

[@Dharmarenee]

@@xn9333 Your experience is not mine,maybe you are holding the wrong space. 🤲🏾

[@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.

[@turinturambar8622]

I just can't decide if they're joking or not

[@MariaSantos-uo3pb]

@@turinturambar8622 why would they be joking

[@itsjeninMass]

Yes. It's a beautiful film.

[@desperatelyseekingrealnews]

​@@MariaSantos-uo3pb Didn't keep NATO or EU away

[@lennytnovel]

@@turinturambar8622 just because a type of culture is odd, and unidentified to you, does not necessarily mean it's a joke. lol.

[@seb3813]

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 🇧🇬

[@huskytail]

Иди в Перник другата година за Сурва или в Широка Лъка за техния фестивал. Няма да съжаляваш

[@marinadn81]

You should watch Nestinari

[@Studopor]

If you like this, you will deffinetely like NESTINARI. Google it. 😉

[@slavchokyurkchiev9465]

Go to Razlog 👍

[@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...🤔

[@TheWhitegoatBg]

hi Kate, there are some connections between Bulgarian traditions and Native American ones. Check similarities between the Navajo and Bulgarian carpet/clothing design. Pretty much its the same, while continents away :)

[@Jwats96]

@@TheWhitegoatBgabsolutely fascinating

[@Summitic]

We all knew each other at some stage! Groups were separated and so was the knowledge!

[@petyahristovska1483]

So true

[@ivanpetrov5185]

@@TheWhitegoatBg As well the famous "fried bread" made by Native Americans is identical to Bulgarian mekitsi.

[@loniivanova8667]

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!

[@imalrockme]

Does it have a sound, meaning, do performers chant or are accompanied with some kind of music? Thank you. ( I'm portuguese, we have Caretos de Podence ).

[@fff5081]

​@@imalrockme In some regions the sound comes form just the big and small bells of all the costumed people jumping and shaking them, and in other regions Tapan (big drum) and Zurna (high pitched wind instruments) are played.

[@imalrockme]

@@fff5081 Must sound beautiful! thank you for explaining.

[@karrie7685]

​@@imalrockme thank you for asking

[@janna7777]

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

[@user-pg1er7ct9v]

I think we have one language long time ago

[@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! 🙌🏻

[@djo9941]

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.

[@troygaspard6732]

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

[@catalinaserbanescu1687]

They're not that unique, we have more or less the same thing in Romania and probably there are variations all around the Balkans, just that in Romania they have these traditions at New Years.

[@BeautyisSacred]

This video said spring for the traditional Bulgarians.

[@KRAU5555]

This isn't unique. This is African Voodoo

[@shizukagozen777]

I've seen similar costumes in Ukraine.

[@nekroy3385]

no they are not. I am a romanian and we have very simmilar costumes and traditions

[@dolphins3291]

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. 😊

[@terrim1153]

Yes!

[@realtrini2007]

I was thinking the same thing. a lot of indigenous cultures throughout the world have something similar to this

[@baileymoore6397]

Exactly!

[@CrypticRite]

As a native american myself, I've realized this fact at a young age.

[@MK-hh1vo]

This was my 1st thought! Is there traditional music they dance to? As an African person, I didn't know Europeans rocked like this! Very enlightening and educational.

[@0kieD0kiee]

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.

[@itsjeninMass]

💜

[@turnertaylor97]

I think so to. I feel so to. I identify with this in such a way, even though I'm not Bulgarian.

[@itsjeninMass]

@@turnertaylor97 Same.

[@FreyaGem]

@OkieDokie I love the way you put that. We are strong enough to scare away our nightmares.

[@smonline631]

i think there is a deeper meaning then that: shaman enters into the other world by dancing and negotiates with evil spirits that they leave a person/s asking for this ritual. investigate more inyo siberian shamanism and interviews with shamans

[@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.

[@jamiel5210]

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.

[@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.

[@FrisbeeGirl]

So profoundly presented and beautifully shot. "“Evil is when we don’t want to be together" is such an incredible statement of of truth, so perfectly packed. Thank you, Bulgaria, for centuries of your amazing culture and perspectives. Well done, TNY!

[@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 🥰

[@chivonfortney1656]

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!!!

[@AngSu]

It’s interesting how Shamans in most countries hold bells and dances around to ward off spirits. There must be a reason why it’s quite common throughout the world

[@desperatelyseekingrealnews]

We're all human maybe?

[@carnigob42069]

we all have the same brains, the same hearts, the same organs. some things i think are just inherent to being human. like how so many different cultures across the world have built pyramids. how we all draw and sing and dance. we are all interconnected, and like the woman in this video says, evil is what draws us apart

[@gustavoritter7321]

There is a universal belief that joy can ward off evil, so there must be that

[@nicoleb695]

Loud noises can frighten off predators, so scientifically there might be a reason for that

[@sharon8114]

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

[@kilimanjaro88]

“Evil is when we don’t want to be together” beautiful shot to individualism nowadays, thank you for keep the great spirit alive ❤

[@piccalillipit9211]

*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.

[@Veselinius_III]

OH WOW!!! As a Bulgarian...that comment made me shed a tear for real THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING OUR COUNTRY BROTHER! IT IS A PRIVILEGE TO HAVE YOU SETTLED HERE AFTER EVERYTHING YOU SAW!!!

[@piccalillipit9211]

@@Veselinius_III OH I am so pleased I made you happy - I live in the poor part of Burgas in a commi pannel block, my neighbours are the loveliest people imaginable and I am very very happy here...!!!

[@ivettemercado7259]

I've never heard nor seen anything about this tradition, so it's really beautiful to see it showcased and presented in this way. Really great job to the production team. Love that the tradition is being embraced by the new generations

[@Nicholas.Tsagkos]

My father in the Greek part of Thrace did this thing when he was living in Thrace, not exactly the same costume, but i believe it has the same origin, it's a very ancient Thracian custom, long before christianity came to Europe.

[@vasil.kamdzhalov]

Yes, we believe is Thracian.

[@ddi3852]

Yes indeed brother, it is a very, very ancient thracian tradition. Loooong, long before there was even Christianity.

[@opushead]

@@ddi3852Yep, it's called Orphism. And that's way before greeks came to the Balkans.

[@user-uq9io7sk5l]

who ever did the filming deserves an oscar. incredible pictures

[@gerokostadinov4355]

Don't know who did this but this sound engineer is INSANE!

[@superbroadcaster]

I don't know why but there's something so joyful and healing about their dancing that feels like it genuinely keeps bad spirits away

[@maramartaamarhcp]

I see a lot of people quoting "Evil is when we don't want to be together" but let's not ignore something just as important and that followed those words: "Evil is poverty. No wheat, corn, potatoes to eat."

[@P-P-Panda]

This made me want to cry. I teared up. That was beautiful I hope I can watch this in person one day

[@dreacdreac]

Fascinating. These people are in ecstasy and have found meaning in the community and they don't seem to be hurting anyone. The dance allures me too.

[@dominic6055]

they are like 0.0001% of the population unfortunately, all the rest are very shallow and materialist people

[@vasil.kamdzhalov]

Technically we are the fastest dying nation in Europe. Deathrate is around 25% and there isnt enough kids. By 2050 we lose another more half or something.

[@Athanor73]

I've lived in Bulgaria twice and the country has resonated with me ever since. In just 9 minutes, you've managed to convey the essence of this tradition through incredibly powerful images that reflect the strength of a people that has suffered throughout its history. Special congratulations to the composer for putting all this to music.

[@kostadinasenov6423]

The soundtrack is: The Bulgarian Voices "Angelite" & Huun-Huur-Tu - Fly, Fly My Sadness (1996)

[@Athanor73]

@@kostadinasenov6423 Blagodaria ti!

[@kostadinasenov6423]

@@Athanor73 Пак заповядай!

[@helloitshope97]

i love how passionate the young people are about keeping & honoring their culture, history, and ancestors. it’s beautiful to see. this was a gorgeous mini doc!

[@Rikki-Tikki-Tavi]

Besides being a deep rooted tradition, this also just looks super fun. I wish we could have heard the actual traditional music they dance to rather than the video soundtrack.

[@user-lj6ts6pg8o]

Most of the time there is no music. Just bells and drums.

[@Rikki-Tikki-Tavi]

@@user-lj6ts6pg8o Cool, thank you!

[@gerganagogosheva6757]

The music Soundtrack is traditional Bulgarien Musik : the Mystery of Bulgarien Voices.

[@nikolayvmarinov]

@@gerganagogosheva6757 Which is considerably newer than Kukeri dances

[@loucarrig8352]

@@user-lj6ts6pg8o In Razlog and Bansko it would be zurna and tapan... maybe not tasteful to Western ears :) Still, I agree it is very strange to see them without hearing the loud bells!

[@finisaborigine1712]

Kaveirs > Hephestos Cults > Dionysian Artificers > ... > ... > ... > Kukeri. Fascinating to see these hyper ancient Rituals survive even in drops nowadays.

[@JudgeNavarro]

Just absolutely stunning. Watching it feels like being witness to something so ancient that it pre-dates writing or known text. Mankind's inner-most self reawakened for a spell of just a few minutes.

[@susanne5803]

I hope this will last forever. It's very beautiful - especially the tall ones - and a little bit spooky. Thank you very much for sharing this!

[@voraciousreader3341]

Now _THAT_ is incredible, something I would love to have been part of!

[@BJJqueen]

🎵Topping off the beautiful cinematography, is the sound design. It's INCREDIBLE! And it helps to set the tone while telling their story, all the more. I wish I could get a copy of it to simply sit and listen too.

[@ChefEarthenware]

This is the coolest thing I've seen in ages. We need them here in the UK.

[@klstadt]

This is mind-blowing. Between this and the baffling Tsarichina incident I'm officially enthralled with Bulgaria. When the woman said, evil is when we don't want to be together, that hit me. It's so true.

[@OmisoXXX]

This is so beautiful at so many levels. In the Peruvian Andes we have the Ukukus that dress also like furry creatures and dance to their ancient gods. Bravo New Yorker for this gem.

[@JMT303]

I'm colombian, and well... I cried for how beautiful this tradition is. Loved this video and loved the message of unity that this tradition senda. Hope it never ends

[@jessw4195]

I like the way the fur moves as they dance around. Very mesmerizing.

[@ivageorge6969]

Everyone should visit Bulgaria 🇧🇬 Such a wonderful country ❤

[@aazablue]

Blows my mind how all cultures around the world have created a way to uniquely express themselves while still being so intune & connected to all cultures! This is beautiful. Thank you for sharing.

[@davidkassl2799]

There is a very similar tradition in Slovenia, the "Kurenti". Slovanski bratje :)

[@Cnupoc]

Да 😊

[@PoeticPoppa]

I can see why Kukeri has survived. I don't have a drop of Bulgarian blood in me but if I was in Bulgaria and someone handed me a big fur suit and said dance, I'd do it myself!

[@jmc4935]

Who made the soundtrack? I could literally listen to the tracks on loop and you would get the clicks, or the artist(s) would. This whole thing is a masterpiece. But the soundtrack can be in any show or movie. Nothing better than the New Yorker or the Atlantic. This is art!

[@jmc4935]

Same. The music gives it the haunting mysticism.

[@HURSAs]

Горд съм с посланията на тази българска традиция и изкуство! Видеото е скромно с продължителността си, но е безкрайно в качеството си да създаде уникалната митична атмосфера на този обичай! Синематографията и музикалният избор си пасват толкова добре! Продукцията е top-notch!

[@pinchebruha405]

Ab-Soul-lutley

[@SpecialSP]

Until this moment, I have only seen still photos. I will watch this repeatedly … again & again . Thank you .

[@huskytail]

If you search for "kukeri" here on KZbin, you'll find some amazing videos where you'll be able to see much more of these rituals

[@SpecialSP]

@@huskytail THANK YOU! I will …

[@reddragon8]

The entire production... the way it was shot, edited, the music, lighting... is a masterpiece ! 👏👏👏 Stunning ! I'll probably watch it multiple times because it is just pure art.

[@serrafinapatterson9539]

I can’t even explain how much I love this

[@miks3859]

Beautiful😊🌻...🥰reminds me of the traditional egungun masquerade of the africas and even the carnival of Trinidad and Tobago..Jouvért especially...all the best to all Bulgarians and their beautiful traditions wishing you peace, love and joy!☀️🌻

[@lusitania2035]

Not only in Eastern Europe. In Portugal we have something very, very similar to the Kukeri but with masks and bells too.

[@RositsaPetrovarjp7]

We know but why bother with such details!

[@lindo7213]

It is a beautiful and liberating tradition at the same time, exciting to see the children enjoying this event too and i personally loved the costumes and their movement.

[@somngreu4800]

The dance , masks and costumes are very similar to Romanian tradition .I love Bulgaria, this was an amazing video .

[@anasti555]

The goosebumps all across my body. It is inexplicable and I know what they mean. Thank you for all of the participants 🖤

[@cricri6077]

Visit Bulgaria really delicious/cheap food, friendly people and a lot nature. Its beautiful , I adopted my dog which we found in the streets of a mountain village. Sea , mountains, nice cities and forest🌳 😉

[@jamesg7016]

This reminds me of similar ceremonies in the Himalayas. Beautiful cinematography. Hats off to the production team.

[@SAMZIRRA]

This is one of the coolest things I’ve ever seen

[@delwolf159]

This was so beautiful , Thank you New Yorker for giving a sneak peek in to this ritual. This is an incredible tradition to witness, Bulgarian culture always amazes me, Thank you for sharing. I hope one day to get to see this in person.

[@seranes_silence]

What an incredible video. I am completely blown away. I cannot believe I’ve never heard or seen about this amazing tradition but I’m sure you were able to capture it with your methods of camera movement, visual setups, light and colour grading. I can feel my heart beating deeper, it’s difficult to describe. Thank you for this and bringing this amazing practice out into the world.

[@Witchofthewoods.]

This is a phenomenal documentary and the cinematography is stunning. What an interesting cultural ritual. Thank you for sharing their way of life and beliefs...these are mesmerizing visuals.

[@saratf]

This is mesmerizing. Faith can be such a beautiful thing when it’s used to unite instead of overpower.

[@nerdacus724]

I love when people keep their traditions alive.

[@sunshinekid8755]

This really made me smile - proof that the Kukeri dance works! What a cool and beautiful tradition.

[@university89]

It's really interesting to see this much similarity between Balkan traditions and West African traditions like Zangbeto and Zaouli seeving the very same purpose. I love seeing such parallels between seemingly unrelated cultures.

[@adlibby6448]

As an outsider this evokes many emotions in me. It’s disturbing at first to see, and now that I know more about it I’m not sure I am less disturbed but it’s more than that - it’s also beautiful and mysterious. Human tradition can be so fascinating and wonderful but also terrifying in its own way. I love to know that this exists and that it is being handed down through the generations even if the people have met adversity. What a wonderful documentary.

[@TheTinKunt]

Wonderfully said. Agreed

[@kingjsolomon]

I agree, perfectly put.

[@carnigob42069]

i have found my religion in the beautiful and the strange. and this is very beautiful and strange. i think they are supposed to be a bit scary so they can ward off the spirits. if i were an evil spirit i wouldnt mess with those guys hahaha

[@beanstaIkjack]

I think it's brilliant that the practice is still being celebrated and honoured, the costumes look amazing, it also looks like great fun and I suspect you'd be snug dancing wildly in the snow wearing one. I'd join in too if I was Bulgarian and happened to be in town

[@BillWadeAtInletDance]

What a gorgeous film with beautiful scoring! I would LOVE to see this in person as an American choreographer! Dance is far more powerful than many realize.

[@Esmael822]

This is so beautiful and interesting to watch!! I gotta say we have a similar tradition in Morocco, North Africa. In the region of Souss, every Eid Adha (Islamic occasion), a bunch of people wear almost the same costume and celebrate in carnival. It's mind blowing to see this similarity shared across Europe and Africa!!

[@liketheroman]

Bulgaria is a beautiful country - I urge you to visit!

[@shekhard8626]

Wonderful, profound, deep …😮🤯. The way it’s been filmed ..👌🏼 Those Bulgarian female vocals are so haunting.

[@workerant7874]

There is something very deep and honest here that I think many of us yearn to be connected to.

[@notyourmum7883]

This is so cool to see. It’s just so human. The cinematography is incredible too just wow!

[@ItoeKobayashi]

Absolutely stunning footage of a hauntingly beautiful tradition!

[@KylieEm]

This is an unbelievable masterpiece! Well done on conveying the message of this ancient tradition of ours!

[@dominiquelaurent904]

So beautiful, profound, mysterious. Thank you so much for sharing this tradition. I would love to attend live ! So powerful! ❤❤❤

[@CrackberryMe]

This was absolutely Stunning, emotionally and spiritually moving.. Bulgaria and it’s people are Beautiful ❤

[@wonderingwanderer6782]

This was so beautiful to watch. Thank you for sharing with the rest of the world. I love how the elderly lady described evil

[@vikkiv4690]

The tradition that keeps the real Bulgarian spirit within. Fantastic video. Благодаря!

[@debsylvester2012]

One of the most beautiful traditions I have ever seen. Thank you for this story. Believe you can make a difference. Keep going!☮️

[@ezekielmcville5101]

Here in Fiji, we tend to see forest spirits as giant hairy men. I am reminded of that when I see these costumes.

[@evaivanova9731]

Proud to be Bulgarian!

[@seanhill4027]

the music and sound design of this video was out of this world awesome - great tone to it all. Bravo!

[@MissMeggypoo]

This is the first I've ever heard of or seen this Bulgarian tradition. What they were saying about faith and belief is what I feel inside of me about my spiritual connection to my creator. What a beautiful tradition -- I'll be looking to learn more. Thank you so much for sharing this with us!

[@whoatherelaserbeam]

This is beautiful and mesmerising. The joyfulness in the dancing and the organic flow of the costumes is stunning!

[@nommh]

Winter is the most dangerous season! So cold, if your food is not stored correctly and goes moldy there is famine. But this is very impressive and it seems to be done in the melting snow to hurry winter on its way out. Great film!

[@RositsaPetrovarjp7]

this is not a winter tradition. in some parts of the country they do it for new year, but in the rest it is the begining of spring. Very little ethnographic value of this film.

[@nommh]

@@RositsaPetrovarjp7 I said “when winter is on its way out”

[@anjhw]

This is mesmerizing. Beautiful tradition.

[@acmartin3]

This tradition is truly beautiful, fascinating and deeply inspiring. I have not seen anything like this ever. Truly something worth keeping alive for many generations to come.

[@ivaylogdobrev]

The culture , the family and and future are in national traditionary in Bulgaria, small country but strong people in this beautiful words of beginning are say everything .

[@mariadukovska4155]

Прекрасен филм. Уловили сте духа на традицията. Well done!

[@nunmem2311]

Фильм мрачный, серый… по моему двух традиции не понят. Праздник задуман как возрождение радости жизни поле холода смерти. За сексуальное влечение приводящее к размножению, отвечают определенные духи… Вот эти духи и призывают пробудиться. Чтоб через девять месяцев Земля начала наполняться плодами и криками новорожденных… а тут мрак какой то и криповая музыка 😂

[@Cnupoc]

​@@nunmem2311той затова е и мрачен.... Сив.... Защото пробуждането става във мрака..... Нищо не разбираш 😅

[@meditatio2668]

So surreal ❤

[@Phia_Le_Roux]

Been a while since I have seen such exquisite footage/photography…….. this documentary is a absolute masterpiece……. RESPECT

[@FreyaGem]

What a beautiful sacred yearly ritual...and filmed in such a cinematic way! Thank you to the participants for sharing this with the world. ❤

[@milenaemt]

I can't thank you enough for making this incredible movie! It made me cry and fill with pride to be Bulgarian! THANK YOU! ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

[@adriennebrailsford6291]

Beautiful. Love the description of evil and the desire of the solution. Thanks for sharing

[@scilla89]

This is so beautiful. I can’t wait to one day visit Bulgaria and experience this in person.

[@anounymussus8803]

This is too beautiful. ❤

[@libertyblueskyes2564]

AMAZING AND MAGICAL. HUMANS, TRIBAL HUMANS ARE THE MOST INTELLIGENT BEINGS ON EARTH.