Revellers dress in elaborate animal hair costumes and home-made masks which make them look like yetis.  The heavy outfits, some weighing as much as 30kg, are made from long goat hair and copper bells known as Kukeri. They're worn by Bulgarian pagan revellers for a festival welcoming the new year.<br /> <br /> The men and women dance in their costumes to ensure an abundant harvest and good health for the coming year, with heavy bells worn around their waists that chase evil away.  Photographer Kristyn Taylor travelled 9,500 miles to spend a week attending Kukeri festivals at different small villages near Sofia, Bulgaria.  SEE OUR COPY FOR DETAILS.<br /> <br /> Please byline: Kristyn Taylor/Solent News<br /> <br /> © Kristyn Taylor/Solent News & Photo Agency<br /> UK +44 (0) 2380 458800
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