The Dirty Days: Bulgarian Stories of Vampires, Ghosts & Creatures of the Night

Join Bulgarian storyteller Nana Tomova and musician In Feathers for an online evening performance. There will be traditional Bulgarian tales of the supernatural beings that haunt this most unholy time of the year.

The dirty days, the ashen days, the unholy days are between Christmas and Epiphany (December 25 to January 6) in Bulgaria. During the darkest nights of the year, vampires, ghosts, goblins and werewolves walk the land amongst the humans. People believe that the veil between the two worlds has fallen. There are prohibitions during the 12 ashen days, the most important one being not to leave your home for fear of attack from these beings. We bring these tales to you from the safety of your own home, so that the dark forces may be remembered and appeased.

During this time, the masked men (the Kukeri and Babukeri) dance the streets for protection, special songs are sung, specific tales are told.

This event is for anyone interested in traditional Bulgarian folklore and storytelling, spooky tales of the supernatural, and ways to protect yourself from the forces of darkness. The stories will be told in English, with Bulgarian peppered throughout.

Bring garlic, water, candles, hawthorn, wild rose, iron or salt - as these are for protection against the creatures that walk the night.

Ages 14+ due to themes of death, violence, frightening images, and subtle suggestions of sexual violence.

This event will be live only, and will not be recorded.