During the last weekend of January, the industrial town of Pernik, Bulgaria, is flooded with color and celebration for the annual Surva festival. The event, officially called the International Festival of Masquerade Games, is one of the largest of its kind in the Balkans, attracting tourists throughout Europe and Asia.
The festival was officially held for the first time in Pernik in 1966, but the tradition of winter masquerading has its roots in ancient and pagan traditions. During a two-day parade, participants take to the streets in ornate costumes and ostentatious masks that are intended to scare away ill-intentioned spirits and bring luck for the coming spring.
Costumes are typically made from goat or sheep furs and decorated with colorful fabrics, beads, and papier-mache. Mask styles typically vary by region, but folklore participants are judged on their costumes and from a series of performances held on the street and an outdoor stage.
SURVA FESTIVAL WEEKEND
25.01.2019 – 29.01.2019
Day-to-day Itinerary
25.01.2019 DAY 1 – TRANSFER SOFIA AIRPORT – HOTEL IN SOFIA (20 KM)
Arrival at Sofia airport with Easy Jet at 11.20 hrs. Transfer to a hotel in Sofia. Sightseeing tour of Sofia. Welcome dinner. Overnight and stay in Sofia.
26.01.2019 DAY 2 – SOFIA – PERNIK – SOFIA (75 KM)
Drive to Pernik. Day at the Festival. Late PM return to Sofia
27.01.2019 DAY 3 – SOFIA – PERNIK – SOFIA (75 KM)
Drive to Pernik. Day at the Festival. Late PM return to Sofia
28.01.2019 – DAY 4 SOFIA
Day at leisure in Sofia
29.01.2019 – DAY 5 – SOFIA – SOFIA AIRPORT (20)
Day at leisure in Sofia. Late check out at 18.00 hrs. Transfer to Sofia airport
COST: £695.00 per person
No Single Supplement charge
– Accommodation at 4 star hotels as follows:
Sofia – hotel Central Park or similar
http://www.centralparkhotel.bg/
– Welcome dinner on 25.01.2019
– Farewell dinner on 28.01.2019
– Guide services on Day 1, 2 and 3 and the transfers upon arrival and departure;
– Late check out on Day 5;
– Sightseeing tour of Sofia on Day 1;
– Transfers and transportation as per the program
