BANYA TOWN'S KUKERI - COSTUME & DANCES
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The modern costume of the Banya Town's Kukeri is designed according to the memories of the elderly people, who once took part in the Kuker masquerades.
The BellsThe Kukeri bear two big “hlopki” (round-bellied bells) at the front, by a double or triple bell at each side and a big bell at the back (“tuch”), which is most vociferous. The big rear bell weights about 5-8 kilograms. The bells are attached to the body with straps across the shoulders overlaid with bronze pieces.
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ClothesThe shirt of the Banya Town's Kuker is white and embroidered. Above the shirt, they put on a Banya's pinafore pleated at the waist.
On the neck, they tie a white kerchief and then a red embroidered kerchief. They wear “badzhatsi” (legs) of goat or sheep fur. During the restoration of the custom at the start of 2009, the legs were of synthetic fabrics, however little by little the youngsters got goat furs, and now stick with the tradition in this regard. Once, they had traditional moccasins (“tsarvuli”) of fur with hair outside. They also had knitted mittens on the hands, and a leather strap (“remachka”) on one of the hands. |
Moves and Steps
The Banya Town's Kukeri dance is slow and heavy. Their step is unique, and very much distinguishes the band.
With each step forward, they raise the fingers of the front leg, and then step on the heel. Then, they put the other leg ahead, and repeat the same. The beat is even and very slow.
Many Banya's Kukeri's mothers find the step pretty difficult for children. However, it is traditional very old, and the organisers insist on keeping it.
Figures
The figures made of today's Banya Town's Kukeri have been remembered for more than 30 years, and once were performed by the current art managers of the Kuker band.
The Kukeri enter the scene by pairs in a circle, and do a lap. Then, the pairs separate, and Kukeri make a joint circle while are spinning and jumping.
Afterwards, they do one more lap and a straight line (like on a checker-board) while dancing. They pass in a row, then make a circle...
In the end, they leave in pairs.
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