PERNIK – THE TOWN OF FESTIVAL “SURVA”
The city of Pernik is situated in the South- Western part of Bulgaria, 30km of the capital Sofia. The population of the city is about 75 000. The community has extremely optimum geographical position. It is situated on three Trans- European transport corridors (№4, №8 and №10). That makes conditions for heightened traffic from West Europe through Bulgaria, respectively Pernik community, towards Greece /Near and Middle East/, the harbours in Varna and Burgas, that connect us with Russia and Asia.
The oldest traces of life in the area of today’s town of Pernik date back to the 5th millennium BC.
The International Festival of Masquerade Games “Surva” in Pernik is the most prestigious manifestation of traditional folk games and customs with masks in Bulgaria and the Balkans. It was organized in 1966. Since 1985, the Festival has the status of an international. In 1995 Pernik was accepted as a member of the Federation of European Carnival Cities. In 2009, the FECC International Board announced Pernik as the European Capital of Survakar and Kuker traditions.
The most attractive feature is its two-day parade of masquerade groups from the country and abroad. Two days in the center and along the city streets, the participants compete to demonstrate the colorfulness of their games and their unique masks and costumes.
The Festival presents the masquerade ritual of all ethnographic regions of the country and guests from Europe, Asia and Africa.
Attractive exhibitions, bazaars and performances accompany the parade. The festival is organized on annual-basis, on the last Saturday and Sunday of January.
IN DECEMBER 2015, THE NATIONAL FEAST “SURVA” IN PERNIK WAS INCLUDED IN THE UNESCO REPRESENTATIVE LIST OF THE INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE OF HUMANITY .
Mrs. Vyara Cerovska – President FECC Bulgaria
Mayor of Municipality of Pernik
Chairman of the Organizing Committee
of International Festival of masquerade games “SURVA”
Pernik, Bulgaria 2019, 24 – 27 January
Contact person. – Anelia Slavova – Mob. +359 887166226
e-mail: anelia_slavova@yahoo.com