site.btaSurva Festival of Masquerade Games Comes to Sofia

The Surva International Festival of Masquerade Games, usually held in Pernik, Southwestern Bulgaria, came to Sofia for the second time. Over 200 survakars (New Year's child well-wishers), mummers and folk dancers gathered in Boris' Garden for a grand show at noon on Sunday.

The festival started with a parade from Ariana Pond to an outdoor stage in Boris' Garden, where a variety of performances were held. There was a food exhibition as well.

The Sofia installment of the Pernik festival is part of the cultural events calendar of Sofia Municipality.

Surva (Surova) is the largest masquerade event in the Balkans and boasts a 57-year-long history. In 2015, the annual festival was inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.