THE TRADITIONAL HOLIDAY CALLED “PUSTOVE” OR “ELDERS ON PUST”

Only in the Rhodopes do the mummers chase evil on the day of Mesni Zagovezni and not of Sirni Zagovezni, as traditions dictate. The custom dates back to 1885 and has not been interrupted until now. The celebration begins early in the morning with a ritual lighting of a fire on a meadow near the village. A masquerade group of about six young men and two children, disguised as a gypsy, a black man, other old men and brides, go around the houses with bells wishing for good health and prosperity. The hosts offer them home-made Rhodope breads, pancakes, cheese pies, patatnik’s (traditional regional dish made of potatoes), wine, rakia (a traditional Bulgarian alcoholic drink) and appetizers.