What Surva is, in one paragraph
Surva is Bulgaria’s international festival of masquerade traditions, held in Pernik every winter. Groups of kukeri — costumed performers who traditionally scare away evil spirits to protect the year ahead — come from across Bulgaria and from other countries to walk and dance through the city. It is loud, physical and very photogenic, and the programme is built around the street, not a seated stage.
Dates and parade weekends
The festival window is 22–31 January 2027. The two big parade weekends are 23–24 January and 30–31 January. You do not need to see both: choose one weekend and one flagship day, then keep the rest of your time flexible.
Hour-by-hour times and routes are published by the organisers closer to the dates. Reconfirm everything on surva.org before you pay for anything non-refundable — this link is informational, not an affiliate.
For flights, a hotel, an eSIM and cover for winter delays, compare flights into Sofia, a hotel in Sofia or Pernik, a Bulgaria eSIM and travel insurance.
Day trip from Sofia
Pernik sits close to the capital: allow about 40–60 minutes from Sofia by train, bus or car, door to door. On parade days add buffer for traffic and for walking to the centre, and plan your return before the evening crowd thins out and services get less frequent.
Want Sofia days, one Pernik parade day and a spare winter day in a single plan?
Build itineraryCostumes, bells and masks
Expect heavy fur costumes, large bells strapped at the waist, and masks that range from animal heads to towering decorated headpieces. The bells are not just décor — the sound is the point, and groups move in rhythm. Keep a little distance in tight streets: costumes are bulky and performers need room.
Ask before you take close-up portraits, and do not touch the costumes. A short “thank you” and a smile usually gets you the best photos.
Cold, crowds and photos
January in Pernik is cold and often damp. Wear thermal layers, a windproof jacket, waterproof boots with good grip, a hat and gloves. Keep your phone and power bank in an inside pocket.
Arrive earlier than you think you need to: the best spots along the route fill up quickly on parade Saturdays and Sundays. Keep bags small, agree a meeting point with your group and carry some cash for snacks and hot drinks.
Where to sleep: Sofia base or Pernik
Most visitors stay in Sofia, where hotel choice, restaurants and transport are easiest, and go to Pernik for the parade day. Sleep in Pernik only if you want a relaxed morning start or plan to stay for the evening programme. Book early for either weekend — compare a Sofia hotel and keep a flexible rate if you can.
Other winter masks and fire festivals
Surva sits in a wider winter calendar. In the same January window you could compare it with Up Helly Aa in Lerwick (26 January) for fire and Viking costume, or follow with Nice Carnival in February. If you are chaining several festivals, read our festival trip logistics guide first.
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FAQ
When is Surva in Pernik in 2027?
The International Masquerade Festival Surva runs 22–31 January 2027 in Pernik. The big street parades fall on the two weekends: 23–24 and 30–31 January. Programme details can shift, so reconfirm on surva.org before you book non-refundable travel.
Are the dates guaranteed? Why does the page carry event markup?
The 22–31 January window and the parade weekends are the planning dates we use, and the page includes standard event markup so search engines can read them. Organisers sometimes adjust the hour-by-hour schedule, so treat surva.org as the final word and check it again a week before you go.
How far is Pernik from Sofia?
Pernik is a day trip from Sofia: roughly 40–60 minutes door to door by train, bus or car, depending on traffic and where you start. Leave buffer on parade days when streets near the centre are busy.
Which weekend should I pick?
Either works: 23–24 January or 30–31 January. Pick the weekend that fits your flights and hotel prices, and choose one flagship day for the parade rather than trying to see everything.
What will I see?
Groups of kukeri and masquerade performers in heavy fur costumes, large bells and elaborate masks, walking and dancing through the streets. The noise of the bells is part of the ritual — they are meant to chase away bad luck for the year.
Do I need a ticket?
The street parades are a public spectacle. If a particular concert or indoor programme needs a ticket, you will find it on surva.org — we do not sell tickets here.
What should I wear?
Dress for a long day outdoors in January: thermal layers, windproof jacket, waterproof boots with grip, hat and gloves. Keep your phone and power bank in an inside pocket — cold drains batteries fast.