The traditional masquarade festival of Bulgaria was held from last Friday to Sunday in the capital, Sofia. This year’s organization attracted 105 masquerade groups from Bulgaria and 20 from other European countries such as Greece, Italy, Portugal, Romania, Serbia and Slovenia.
Bulgaria’s Masquerade rituals are believed to date back to pagan times, when people tried to chase away winter’s evil spirits by wearing scary masks and making as much noise as possible.