A Killer Among the Masks

Secrets Lurking in the Shadows of the Kukeri Festival

By: Dilyan Bachvarov

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

Dark horror folklore fantasy

In the early hours following the vibrant celebrations of the Kukeri festival known as Surva in Pernik, a shocking discovery has cast a shadow over the festive atmosphere. Authorities received reports of a body found lying on the street, prompting an immediate investigation. The victim, whose identity has yet to be confirmed, was discovered near the bustling heart of the festival, where colorful costumes and traditional rituals had filled the streets just hours earlier.

Witnesses described the scene as surreal, contrasting the joyful chaos of the Kukeri dancers with the grim reality of the situation. The local police cordoned off the area, urging onlookers to respect the ongoing investigation. As detectives sift through evidence, the community is left in shock, grappling with the implications of such a tragedy so close to a celebration that honors ancient traditions and the spirit of resilience.

Initial reports suggest that the cause of death is under investigation, with authorities working diligently to piece together the events leading to this tragic incident. The town, known for its lively festivities and rich cultural heritage, now faces a somber reality, as residents and visitors alike come to terms with the unexpected and tragic turn of events during what was meant to be a joyful occasion.

"I chose this festival because I have never understood this ritual of Bulgarians and other neighboring countries. Dressing up in scary costumes, dancing, and making noise to frighten evil spirits and demons is intriguing. Don’t they realize that demons often appear more normal and innocent than many people, making them hard to identify in a crowd? Additionally, the original appearance of demons can be far more frightening than any mask, yet they still disguise themselves. People think they can scare them away with random masks and noise. So they do recognize the presence of demons. But I understand demons"

Is there a serial kukeri killer, or is there something else behind the murders of these folklore figures?