Children's Costume Procession
Arrive early to see colorful kids’ costumes and music
~10:30
National Masquerade Festival "Dzhamäla"
Национален маскараден фестивал „Джамала“
Kyustendil, Bulgaria
Feb 6 - 7, 2027Expected
Each February, the town of Kyustendil hosts the national masquerade festival known as Dzhamäla. Troupes of masked kukeri stamp and ring their bells to chase away evil, in a young celebration whose name means "great fun" and draws on the old mask games of the Bulgarian winter.
Key moments
Day 1 · Feb 6
Day 2 · Feb 7
Grand Masquerade Parade
Stand along the route by 9:30 for best views of the extravaganza
~10:00 - 12:00
Day 3 · Feb 8
Closing Ceremony and Awards
Enjoy the festive atmosphere as winners are announced and celebrated
~17:00
Where it happens
Velbazhd Square
Kyustendil, Bulgaria
Open in MapsHow to show up well
Plan the timing
Visitors may observe ceremonies but should not infiltrate formal performances
Respect local boundaries
Respect the ritual aspects; do not mimic or disrupt the traditional ceremonies
Practical notes
Crowds & timing
Crowds cluster near the parade route and main square
Weather
Usually cold; check weather forecast (snow/rain possible)
Transport
Local bus lines, taxis
Tickets
Free events are available.
Safety & access
Generally peaceful event with police and volunteers present
Reviewed mediaREGIONAL COMMUNITY & FOLK LIFE
National Masquerade Festival "Dzhamäla"
Национален маскараден фестивал „Джамала“
Kyustendil, Bulgaria
Each February, the town of Kyustendil hosts the national masquerade festival known as Dzhamäla. Troupes of masked kukeri stamp and ring their bells to chase away evil, in a young celebration whose name means "great fun" and draws on the old mask games of the Bulgarian winter.
Easy first visitEasy first festival
Feb 6 - 7, 2027Expected dates
Verified this year
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The story behind it
Dzhamäla (meaning "great fun" in local dialect) draws on both Kukeri (mask games to chase evil) and Survakari (New Year fortune-tellers) traditions. It was introduced by the Kyustendil municipality to showcase eventual cultural exchange between known Kukeri centers, highlighting that the culturally rich Shopluk region has its unique variants. It exemplifies how modern festivals keep such rural practices alive, bridging city...
Key moments to know
Day 1Feb 6~10:30Expected
Children's Costume Procession
Arrive early to see colorful kids’ costumes and music
Day 2Feb 7~10:00 - 12:00Expected
Grand Masquerade Parade
Stand along the route by 9:30 for best views of the extravaganza
Day 3Feb 8~17:00Expected
Closing Ceremony and Awards
Enjoy the festive atmosphere as winners are announced and celebrated
How to show up well
first-timer tips
Plan the timing
Visitors may observe ceremonies but should not infiltrate formal performances
Respect local boundaries
Respect the ritual aspects; do not mimic or disrupt the traditional ceremonies
Essentials at a glance
Date window
Feb 6 - 7, 2027
Estimated
City / Area
Kyustendil
Western Bulgaria (Shopluk region) - Kyustendil
Access
Sofia International Airport (SOF) · 100 km from festival
Cost
Free entry
Budget: €30-50, Mid: €60-90, Luxury: €100+
Atmosphere
Filled with ringing bells and lively traditional music, Crowds clus...
Crowds cluster near the parade route and main square
Good for
Families, culture enthusiasts
Very High visitor welcome
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