Apr 1st, 2017: Kukeri (Not an April Fool)

[xoxoxoBruce]

Kukeri are men who take part in an ancient Bulgarian pagan tradition to scare away the evil spirits
of winter. They gather to chant and dance, wearing home-made wooden masks, animal furs, horns
and sequins, strapping on heavy belts with bells on that can weigh up to 70kg (154lb). The ritual has
continued undisturbed through the centuries, even through Communist times when it was tolerated
by the state.

Winter breaks, Spring is in sight, who doesn't want to party? OK, maybe pro snowplow drivers.

As contradictory as it sounds given the anti-Roma sentiment that often prevails in Bulgaria, in one
region the ritual is preserved by a Gypsy tribe and its leader, who lends all his kukeri belongings to
the younger boys.

♫But every night all the men would come around... ♫ and lay their money down.

The higher on the social scale a kuker is, the more financial support he gives to the group. The money
might go on collecting hundreds of bells (a set of 20 costs €1000,£850,$1066) or finding the best goat
fur for the long-haired costumes.

I think these guys are on the take from The Hairclub For Men




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