A Bulgarian Pomak winter wedding

Ceremonies last three days

Nefie Eminkova, 21, has her face painted in preparation for her wedding in the village of Ribnovo, Bulgaria. AFP

Bulgarian Pomak (Bulgarian speaking Muslims) bride Nefie Eminkova, 21, poses during her wedding ceremony in the village of Ribnovo, on January 9, 2022. - Dark blonde Nefie Eminkova, 21, and her fiancee Schaban Kiselov, 24, are tying the knot in a flurry of bright colours, flowers, dancing and blessings. (Photo by Nikolay DOYCHINOV / AFP)

Kiselov chats with his friends in a club before his wedding. Pomaks from Ribnovo wed only in the winter, in ceremonies that last for two or three days. Each bride must marry with her eyes closed, her face painted white and adorned with sequins. Getty

Kiselov and Eminkova pose for a picture in front of their dowry. Getty

About one million Muslims live in Bulgaria, approximately 10 per cent of the country’s population. Getty

Eminkova walks along a street in her traditional make-up and costume. Getty

Relatives carry gifts and banners during the ceremony. The bride must keep her eyes closed to the colourful feast surrounding her until an imam blesses the couple. AFP

Guests tuck into a wedding banquet. Getty

The bride and groom are greeted by relatives. AFP

Eminkova and Kiselov. Guests traditionally pin money on the bride and groom when they marry. AFP

Dancing is an important part of Pomak nuptials. AFP

The bride is covered in money. AFP

A wedding guest carries her baby in a colourful sling. AFP

Eminkova, now wearing conventional make-up, dances with her husband and other guests. Getty

Guests in colourful costumes dance during the wedding. AFP

Guests perform the traditional Bulgarian Horo dance. Getty

A woman watches the procession from a balcony. Getty

People hold hands to dance the Horo. Getty

A boy fires a rifle in celebration. Getty