International Festival of Masquerade games “SURVA”

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”

http://en.surva.org

https://www.carnifest.com/events/bulgaria/pernik/801/surva-carnival-festival-of-the-masquerade-games-2019.aspx

Pernik, Bulgaria 2019, 24 – 27 January

Contact person. –     Anelia Slavova  – Mob. +359 887166226

e-mail: anelia_slavova@yahoo.com

info_kultura@pernik.bg