Bulgaria's famous artist Svetlin Russev received Saturday the "Golden Perperikon" award for special contribution to the European culture. The ceremony was part of the celebrations on the last day of international art festival Perperikon in Bulgaria's town of Kardjali.
Bulgarian top officials including Culture Minister Bozhidar Abrashev and Environment Minister Dolores Arsenova as well as special Greek representatives joined the celebrations.
Forty traditional dancers called "kukeri" performed spectacular rituals believed to chase evil spirits away. The celebration also included folklore and jazz music performances and a special contribution by children aged 8-12 who played the traditional Bulgarian bagpipe called "gayda".
This was the third edition of the festival Perperikon in Bulgaria and celebrations continued five days.