Thousands take part in Surva folk festival in Bulgaria Several thousand dancers, dressed in traditional costumes and wearing scary masks and large bells, gathered over the weekend to take part in the Surva folk festival in the town of Pernik, in western Bulgaria. The annual festival showcases an age-old winter ritual in many villages across Bulgaria where men dress with furry costumes and scary masks and go round the streets to chase evil spirits, bring good health and rich crops. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES