TRADITION

There is a time between winter and spring, a transition when the soul seeks purification, reflection, and forgiveness in anticipation of nature’s resurrection.
On the first Sunday before Lent, known as Zagovezni, celebrations begin as fires are ignited high up to the Sun to strengthen it. Those flames, with their purifying light, drive away evil from humanity, offering hope for a fresh start.

During Zagovezni in Bulgaria, the mummers (kukeri) emerge—mysterious and magical figures dressed in skins, wearing heavy and frightening masks, with clappers at their waists and wooden sticks in their hands. They usher in the promise of good fortune for the New Business Year, invoking fertility, abundance, health, and strength for all living creatures and the earth.
The synchronized movements of the kukeri create a rhythmic sound that captivates us, transporting our consciousness beyond time to connect with our ancestors. They believed that strict adherence to this rite would ensure the health, well-being, and fertility of the fields and livestock.

THE MASK, A BRIDGE BETWEEN THE WORLDS

Since ancient times, masks have served as sacred symbols that transform individuals, alter their identities, and enable them to connect with forces beyond the ordinary. In the rituals of various cultures, masks act as keys to the supernatural, allowing participants to abandon their identities and embrace new, sacred selves. These masks embody the spirits of ancestors, gods, or the spontaneous forces of nature. Through wearing them, participants enter a trance-like state, transcending human limitations to connect with the unseen. Thus, a mask is not merely an artifact but a powerful symbol of transformation and an eternal bridge between the real and the sacred and between the human and the divine.

TRADITION THROUGH THE EYES OF CONTEMPORARY ART

Traditional culture serves as an endless source of inspiration for contemporary art. A notable example is the reinterpretation of authentic Kuker masks from the collection of the Regional Ethnographic Museum in Plovdiv, created by students of the Mexican photographer Fernando Montiel Klint. By experimenting with light, colors, and composition, the participants transformed the traditional masks into a vibrant expression of the relationship between cultural heritage and art, revitalizing old customs through a modern lens.

Klint is a renowned artist recognized for his conceptual and portrait series. In his photographs, he often explores the boundaries between reality and imagination, creating compelling visual narratives. His projects have been showcased at prestigious exhibitions and festivals worldwide, highlighting his unique style and deep understanding of cultural codes.