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Mar 14, 2027
Projected
Сирни Заговезни / Поклади (Самоков)
Mar 14, 2027ExpectedSource
On Cheesefare Sunday the town of Samokov keeps Sirni Zagovezni with a great kopa bonfire, fire and torch rituals, masked kukeri performances, and the asking of forgiveness before Lent. The pre-Lenten fire celebration gathers the town for one last night of flame and noise before the fast.
FestivalAtlas keeps this celebration available for timing and respectful planning without inviting public footage.
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FestivalAtlas keeps Sirni Zagovezni / Pokladi in Samokov (Cheesefare Sunday) available for timing, cultural context, and respectful planning, without inviting public footage or contributor coverage for this event.
LOCAL SEASONAL CALENDAR
Сирни Заговезни / Поклади (Самоков)
Samokov, Bulgaria
On Cheesefare Sunday the town of Samokov keeps Sirni Zagovezni with a great kopa bonfire, fire and torch rituals, masked kukeri performances, and the asking of forgiveness before Lent. The pre-Lenten fire celebration gathers the town for one last night of flame and noise before the fast.
Samokov’s Cheesefare Sunday (Sirni Zagovezni/Pokladi) is the town’s pre‑Lent fire celebration. Local customs include lighting the communal kopa bonfire, torch/fire rituals, kukeri/survakari performances with masks and bells, and the mutual asking of forgiveness. The municipality and cultural groups host a public program, with the kopa lit in the evening at designated sites.
This celebration benefits from careful observation, local guidance, and respect for community boundaries.
Attendance can be appropriate while active documentation is not. Let local boundaries define your role.
Avoid filming or photographing moments that feel private, sacred, or restricted.
Some celebrations are best approached quietly: arrive prepared, follow posted rules, and leave without turning the moment into content.
Samokov’s Cheesefare Sunday (Sirni Zagovezni/Pokladi) is the town’s pre‑Lent fire celebration. Local customs include lighting the communal kopa bonfire, torch/fire rituals, kukeri/survakari performances with masks and bells, and the mutual asking of forgiveness. The municipality and cultural groups host a public program, with the kopa lit in the evening at designated sites.
respectful presence
Arrival, etiquette, and participation notes will appear once they are verified.
Mar 14, 2027
Projected
Samokov
Western Bulgaria (Shopluk region)
Families welcome

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