THE CUSTOM “OLD MARTA”

Every year the inhabitants of the Rhodope village of Zabardo perform an ancient custom dedicated to the upcoming spring. The ritual dates back to ancient times. It is called “Old Marta” and is always held on the 14th of March, regardless of whether the day is a day off or a working day. On this date, at sunset, young boys from the village dress in furs, put on scary masks, wear belts with bells and roam all night between the houses to scare and chase away evil spirits. The further the ringing of the bells are heard, the further away will the evil forces escape.