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Kukeri (Bulgarian: 泻褍泻械褉懈; singular: kuker, 泻褍泻械褉) are Bulgarian men dressed in elaborate costumes who perform traditional rituals aimed at driving away evil spirits. Similar customs can be found throughout the Balkans and Greece, including Romania and the Pontus. The costumes typically cover most of the body and feature decorated wooden animal masks (sometimes with two faces) and large bells attached to the belt. During the period around New Year and before Lent, the Kukeri walk and dance through villages, using their costumes and the sound of their bells to ward off evil spirits. They are also believed to bring good harvests, health, and happiness to the village for the upcoming year. Traditionally, the Kukeri visit homes at night to avoid being seen by the sun. After parading through the village, they often gather in the village square to dance energetically and entertain the people. While Kukeri rituals may vary by region, their core elements remain largely the same.