In Bulgarian Christmas tradition, male carol singers who visit homes are called koledari.
Koledari traditionally travel in groups during the Christmas period, singing ritual songs and offering blessings for health, fertility, and prosperity. Their visits are connected with the Bulgarian custom of koleduvane, or Christmas caroling.
The groups are typically made up of young men, and traditional accounts describe them carrying decorated staffs or wearing special clothing. They visit households in the local community, where hosts give them food, money, or other gifts.
Koledari should not be confused with kukeri, the masked ritual performers associated with winter and spring customs. Survakari are linked especially with New Year’s customs, while koledari are specifically associated with Christmas caroling.