The mummers' season and festivals on both sides of the Rhodope mountain

VisitBulgaria.NET, 23 Feb 2011

The last Sunday of February will be celebrated with a colorful carnival in Xanthi. Next Sunday the event will be followed by a mummer procession in Shiroka Laka.

Ever since ancient times both sides of the Rhodope mountain have preserved elements from the pagan rituals and mummer games.

This year the Greek resort Xanthi will welcome guests during the last weekend of February.
Between the attractive slopes of Chepelare and Pamporovo, Zlatograd also boasts with its traditional “four season” hospitality. This year most of the hotels in the resort offers a short trip to Xanthi for the famous carnival.

Shiroka Laka also prepares for the forthcoming events. All icicles and snow dumps are cleared form the town and the streets are neat and tidy, ready to welcome all guests and participants in the mummers' games.
Numerous mummer ensembles from all over the country have applied for participation in the prestigious event.
For the past 20 years mummer ensembles from Russia, Ireland, Japan and Slovenia had participated in the event. This winter the resort will welcome a Turkish ensemble from Izmir.

The mayor of Shiroka laka hopes to get funding for the membership in the World organization of carnival settlements.
The games will start on 04 March in Shiroka laka with symbolic dances which will bring spring hopes and will chase away the evil spirits, for better and calmer times to come.