On 25th of February, 2023 (Saturday), the Association Tourist Union Strumica – Strumica (Project Partner 2), in close coordination and cooperation with the National Community Center “Bratya Miladinovi – 1936”, Mikrevo, Bulgaria (Lead Partner), has successfully implemented the Activity 10 “Participation of Bulgarian “Kukeri” in “Carnival of Strumica” in Strumica within the project “The living cultural heritage of two nations on one scene”, with Reference Number: CB006.2.23.115.
Main aim of this activity was the participation of 50 Bulgarian “Kukeri” at cultural event “Carnival of Strumica” in Strumica, North Macedonia.
The Strumica Carnival is a century-old tradition that is being organized annually in the city of Strumica. By being one of the best street carnivals in the world, it has persisted as a significant cultural symbol of the city of Strumica and its citizens. More recently, the carnival has gained a more contemporary, modern dimension, with some influences from similar carnivals in the world, and at the same time received a rewarded character.
“Kukeri” are the Bulgarian carnival figures – men, pretended as beasts or typical characters (grandmother, grandfather, king), always with head masks, often with belt buckles and fur coats outside. “Kukeri” dance on the streets to frighten the evil forces and expel the cold, and for fertility and health carry out ritual actions.
Conducting and participating in a joint cultural event and combining two unique traditions in one place will increase the interest of the participants on both sides of the border on the cultural values and their importance, will increase the attractiveness of Cross-Border region and will contribute to the development of sustainable joint cultural tourism in the target region.
The project “The living cultural heritage of two nations on one scene” is co-funded by the European Union and by National Funds of the Participating Countries under the Interreg-IPA Cross-Border Cooperation Programme Bulgaria – North Macedonia 2014-2020.
The project is co-financed by the European Union and the national funds of the participating countries in the Interreg-IPA Cross-Border Cooperation Programme between the Republic of Bulgaria and the Republic of North Macedonia 2014-2020 (CCI No. 2014TC16I5CB006).
The content of the publication is the sole responsibility of the Association Tourist Union Strumica – Strumica and does not reflect the views of the European Union, the participating countries or the Governing Bodies of the Programme.
