BEBALKAN
KUKERI FESTIVAL
The itinerary is flexible and can be tailored to accommodate your preferences and requirements. The focal point of this journey is to immerse ourselves in the vibrant Kukeri festivals, which take place in various locations across Bulgaria primarily on weekends. These festivals offer a unique glimpse into Bulgarian traditions, featuring elaborate costumes and masks designed to ward off evil spirits. In addition to experiencing the Kukeri festivities, the week leading up to these events will be filled with a rich exploration of folklore, village life, and winter activities in Raduil. This blend of cultural immersion and leisure activities ensures a memorable and authentic Bulgarian experience.
The Kukeri festival is a timeless masquerade tradition held during the winter months, spanning from the end of January to the beginning of March across various locations in Bulgaria. This celebration offers a fascinating glimpse into Balkan folklore, showcasing an array of music, dance, and authentic cultural festivities that trace back to ancient Thracian roots. Each festival and local event attracts hundreds of performers and numerous groups from across Bulgaria and the Balkans, creating a vibrant tapestry of tradition and community spirit.
BeBalkan, nestled on the outskirts of Raduil village and situated beneath the majestic Musala Peak at the confluence of the Maritsa and Ibar rivers, is a dedicated seminar and tourism center with a focus on Balkan folklore. We offer retreats and vacation packages that include visits to and participation in the Kukeri festivals, providing guests with an immersive cultural experience. Conveniently located just an hour from Sofia, BeBalkan is in close proximity to many festival locations, including Pernik, which hosts the largest Kukeri celebration.
Our facility is ideally placed at the village’s edge, a mere hundred meters from the river and adjacent to the sprawling fields and forests. Raduil, with its tranquil and authentic charm, offers a peaceful retreat into nature, yet is only 7 km away from the Borovets ski resort, blending cultural richness with natural beauty.
1100€
per person
in a group of 6-10 people
1000€
per person
in a group of 10-15 people
900€
per person
in a group of 15-24 people
*Supplement for a single person in room: 150€
DAY 1
Discovering Raduil
- Morning: An introductory tour of Raduil, exploring the confluence of the Maritsa and Ibar rivers, hidden chapels, the church, and the village center.
- Afternoon: A winter tour of the chapels in the forest surrounding the village.
- Evening: Bulgarian dinner in Raduil.
DAY 2
River canyons and Bulgarian dance
- Day: Excursion to the Ibar and Maritsa canyons, either on foot or by jeep.
- Evening: Enjoy performances by a local folklore group and learn the basics of Bulgarian dance.
- Dinner: Bulgarian dinner in Raduil.
DAY 3
Hot Springs and Waterfalls
- Day: Visit to the hot springs of Sapareva Banya, followed by Costenets waterfall and canyon, with a possible visit to Iskar lake.
- Dinner: Bulgarian dinner in Raduil.
DAY 4
Ski Resort and Cultural Visits
- Day: Trip to Musala Ski Resort, cable car ride to Musala Mountain, followed by visits to Samokov’s history museum, monastery, and local market.
- Evening: Bulgarian dinner in Raduil, featuring songs by the local babas.
DAY 5
Kukeri Festival Day 1
- Day: Attend the Kukeri festival at a location near our guesthouse, with visits to local sites en route for further exposure to Balkan folklore and the winter landscape of the Bulgarian mountains.
- Dinner: Bulgarian dinner in Raduil.
DAY 6
Kukeri Festival Day 2
- Day: Second day attending a local Kukeri festival, diving deeper into the mask tradition and winter folklore rites.
- Dinner: Bulgarian dinner in Raduil.
DAY 7
Final Day and Sofia Visit
- Day: Final participation in the local festivals, with time permitting for visits to museums and sites in Sofia.
- Evening: Dinner in a restaurant in Sofia or at the festival location.