Banishing Evil Spirits From Bansko

In this week’s Buzz:

• With many places closed, where’s best to buy fruit & veg?

• Wednesday sees the Kukeri (Babugeri) banish evil spirits from Bansko

• Bansko enjoyed a white Christmas

• Romanian & Greek police come to Bansko

• New Year’s Eve celebrations information

New Year’s Day Kukeri Carnival on Wednesday

On Wednesday, the first day of the new year, the Kukeri will take to the streets in a centuries-long tradition of banishing evil spirits from the town and welcoming in the new year.

You might have seen photos or videos of the Kukeri where individuals dress up in costumes (like the above) while others wear scary masks or make loud sounds with bells. All this is to rid people’s homes and the town of any evil spirits that might be lingering from the previous year.

The main event on New Year’s Day starts at 11.30am in the main square in town (event info). If you want to read more about the tradition, then visit this page.

Enjoy Reading The Newsletter?

If you enjoy reading the Bansko Buzz newsletter, why not buy me (Nick) a coffee?
It’s super easy using this link.

Inside the Bansko Notice Board Group

✍️ 119 New Posts, 💬 583 Comments, 👍️ 1,848 Reactions

With Lots of Places Closed, Where’s Best To Buy Fruit & Veg?
Sarah posted that she’s tried a few fruit and veg shops in town, but they all seem to be closed. There were a range of different suggestions on where to shop.

Are 5G Routers Available in Bulgaria?
Colin wants to know if you can get 5G routers in Bansko and whether they come with a contract from the mobile operator or whether you need to buy your own.

There Is Snow on The Mountain, But Is There Any in Town?
Aishling wanted to know whether there is any snow in the general area of Bansko town. A few people posted that we still do have some snow about.

Should I Bring Euros or Lev?
Llyr asked whether bringing Euros or Lev to Bansko is better. Find out why people think bringing the local currency makes more sense.

Is The Ski Road a Blue Run?
John asked whether people thought the ski road is considered a blue run. A few people made a comment or two.

Local/Municipality News

Bansko Enjoyed a White Christmas
If you haven’t been to town, then you might not know about the snowfall we earlier in the week, which gave us a wonderful white Christmas to enjoy. The municipality, as always, were good at clearing the main roads and routes within a day, but there is a lot of snow still left in town.

Father Christmas Comes To Town on The Train
Father Christmas came to Dobrinishte train station to greet children and give them presents and treats. Apparently, he decided to give Rudolph and his colleagues a rest this year, choosing to hop on the mountain train. More info.

Everywhere Now Open That’s Going To Open
Everywhere in Bansko that will open for the season has now opened. Step-by-Step are at Amigos (last night first night) and Victoria is back singing with the band at Euphoria. There were two main casualties from last year: The Irish Harp and Five Points. But, several news places have opened up recently, and I will share details on all of these in next week’s newsletter.

Romanian & Greek Police in Bansko For The Season
Police from Romania and Greece will patrol Bansko with local and regional police officers over the winter season. This is a joint effort that first started in 2011 and aims to ensure the safety of tourists. More info [translation required].

Businesses in Bansko

Enjoy reading the Bansko Buzz every Sunday? Feel free to buy me (Nick) a coffee. Caffeine fuels my Sundays when I put the newsletter together.

Shared transfers from Sofia Airport to Bansko with Traventuria. Get to Bansko quickly and in style during the winter season. Always on time. Check availability.

Happy Hour at The Hub, every day from 4pm to 6pm: only 8 BGN for 2 x wine or beer (excludes New Year’s Eve).

Travelling out of your home country in 2025? Get travel insurance designed by travellers. True Traveller: one policy to cover all of your activities. Get a quote & buy online.

👉️ Want to see your ad in the Bansko Buzz?
View Sponsorship Opportunities

Events Next Week

New Year’s Eve Celebrations
On Tuesday (31st), the town will celebrate New Year’s Eve. It’s either down to the town square or on the ski road near Kempinski Hotel to watch the fireworks at just before midnight. The official event in the town square starts at 11pm.

Bansko Street Dogs Pub Quiz ^_(Featured)
Join Bansko Street Dogs for their first pub quiz night of 2025. On Monday 6th of January at Smokey Mountain (epic burgers btw), they’ll host their first pub quiz of the year. Message BSD’s Facebook page to book in.

Annual Avalanche Training
On Tuesday, the 14th of January, from 6pm to 9pm, at the Avalon, there will be theory training. On Wednesday, the 15th of January, there will be a full practical day of training in the backcountry to practice what you learned the previous evening. Price: 140BGN. Message the Avalon to book.

Photo of the Week

Soaring above Bansko.

Tag @banskobuzz to get your photo in the Buzz.