The 28th International Festival of Masquerade Games has taken place in Pernik, a city in western Bulgaria. /VCG Photo 

The three-day festival attracted a record 7,500 participants from all over the world. /VCG Photo

The mummers wore elaborate masks or were dressed as animals, performing traditional dance and making noise with the copper bells worn around their waists. /VCG Photo

A Chinese student who joined the crowds to celebrate said the atmosphere was "brilliant," Reuters reported. /VCG Photo

The carnival, which revelers hope will drive away evil spirits and usher in good health and harvest at the start of spring, is the oldest and the most prestigious festival of masquerade games in the country. /VCG Photo