Shrovetide is a colorful holiday dedicated to the transition from Winter to Spring. We have collected several options on how to participate in its celebration in the capital.
Our forefathers believed: with rites, songs, dances and various spells, you can drive away Winter and call for Spring, as well as celebrate and have fun for the last time before Great Lent.
In different regions of Ukraine, Masnytsia was called differently: “Maslyanytsia”, “Syrnytsia”, “Syropusny week”, “Syropust”, “Cheese week”, “White”, “Kolodiy”, “Kolodka”, “Turytsia”, “Woman’s week” “.
At that time, only dairy foods could be consumed. Dumplings with cheese made from wheat or buckwheat flour were mostly prepared every day and in every household. “On Shrovetide, one should eat dumplings in butter in order to live like a dumpling in butter,” the people said.
February 25 and 26 from 13:00 The open-air museum has prepared a cultural and educational program with traditional folk entertainment, folk dances, delicious dishes, theatrical performances, and performances by folk groups.
The culmination of the holiday will be the rite of burning an effigy of the “Crowded Grandfather” (at 3:00 p.m.), which represents winter and evil forces.
A charity auction will be held in support of the invincible Cossack boys from the 59th reconnaissance brigade.
Address: National Museum of Folk Architecture and Life of Ukraine (Kyiv, 1 Akademika Tronka St.).
Ticket price: 100 hryvnias
Masnytsia on VDNG
During two days, guests will be able to immerse themselves in the traditional celebration. This year, the organizers refused to hold concerts. The event will reveal the topic of Ukrainian traditions: folk rituals, clothing and dishes. Especially for the holiday, the territory will be decorated with ribbons and decorations made of hay, and photo zones will be set up.
At the food court, a traditional dish for this holiday will be prepared – stews with various fillings. A separate “Bar of Dumplings” will also be open.
Another mandatory element of Shrovetide is the rite of Kolodiya. Since this holiday symbolized the beginning of a new cycle of courtship and finding a mate, it involved the participation of unmarried boys. For example, a wooden log was tied to the feet of newlyweds who had not yet decided on their chosen one as a sign of condemnation for long hesitation. Guests will be able to see with their own eyes how Kolodiy took place, and even take part in it if they wish.
It will be possible to take a small trip to the past by taking a photo in a traditional headdress. The appropriate photo zone will be located on the central square of the Expo Center. Here, a master class on kerchiefs will be held, where everyone will be able to try tying a kerchief in various ancient ways: “on the fly”, “with tassels”, “with ears”, etc., and the craftswoman will tell about the peculiarities of kerchiefs in different regions of Ukraine. The cost of the master class is UAH 100.
The theme of traditional costumes will continue in street theater performances. During two days, guests will be greeted by stilt walkers in extremely bright costumes.
The final chord of Shrove Tuesday was the traditional burning of a straw effigy – the personification of the evil forces of winter. It is on February 26 that the two-day event at VDNG will end, which will be preceded by a bright show from the Kyiv Fire Theater. The action will start at 18:30 to the left of the ice rink (in front of Pavilion 7).
Schedule of events for February 25-26:
- Performance “Masnytsia”, with the Kolodiy ceremony 12:00, 13:00, 14:00, 15:00, 16:00, 17:00, 18:00, central square.
- Stilt street theater, 12:00 – 18:00, central square.
- Handkerchief workshop, 1:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m., Central Square.
- Charitable ritual event “Masnytsia” by the theater-studio Kolorytmy 12:30 – 16:00, rides and boarding area, between pavilions 2 and 6.
- Fire show and effigy burning by the Kyiv Fire Theater (26.02 only), 6:15 p.m., swimming pool in front of Pavilion 7.
Address: Akademika Glushkova Ave., 1
free entrance
Masnytsia on Darynka
February 25 and 26 from 12:00 for children in the program:
- Master classes of ethnic Ukrainian needlework
- Children’s performances
- Performances of artistic groups — folklore, ethnic, modern stylized and folk
- Aquagrim
- Potters who will teach children to make ceramic products from clay
The Happy Shop will be open with gifts that can be obtained for completing the quest. And adults will be able to choose something interesting at the thematic fair, taste delicious pancakes with various fillings and get discounts on goods.
Address: Magnitogorska street, 1a
free entrance
Kolodiy in “Mamaeva Sloboda”
In the program of the event:
- Celebration according to real Ukrainian rites and traditions – a story about the sacred meanings of the holiday
- Master class on sculpting dumplings – “My happy dumpling” – each participant will mold several of their own happy dumplings
- Dragging and dancing Kolodka is a folk dance master class
- The recruiting wheel is the call of spring
- Fair of folk craftsmen
— a potter and his unique pottery products
— master class of clay modeling or pottery skills
— a carver and his wooden toys
— wreath weaving and magical wreaths
– doll motanka
— a necklace
— a knitted toy❣ - Charming authentic singing
When: February 25, 26 at 4:00 p.m
Address: St. M. Dontsia, 2. Take trolley bus No. 27 or minibus No. 201 from Shulyavska metro six stops (stop Mykhailo Dontsia St., Vidradny)
Registration and conditions for participation in the event by phone: 0 994 784 130 (viber, telegram). The number of places is limited
Kolodiy in the shopping center “Prospekt”
On February 25, on the 2nd floor of the TRC, there will be an opportunity to weave a talisman – a motanka doll, listen to authentic Ukrainian songs performed by a folk group, and remember the sound of the bandura. And we will also learn the secrets of the best housewives at a dumpling molding master class.
Address: str. Hnata Hotkevicha, 1V
Participation in all activities is free.
Shchedryy Kolodiy invites you to a treat with dumplings in the shopping center “RaiON”
The organizers promise a rich day of learning about Ukrainian culture: folk dances, authentic music, traditional cuisine and decorative arts.
Address: str. Lavrukhina, 4
Free entrance.
Theatrical tour-action “Come Spring, come beautiful! Shrovetide”
On the excursion, you will not only have an interesting story by a specialist about how our distant ancestors met Spring, but also entertainment, interesting games and competitions. We also hope that the “spirits” of our glorious ancestors, and maybe even pagan “gods” will visit our event…
You will be able to help a woman from the “Trypil settlement” grind grain for “sunny” cookies on a stone – a grinder; visit the Scythians for a spring holiday and take part in real “equestrian” competitions; you will listen to the instructions of Metropolitan Hilarion, appointed by Yaroslav the Wise… And you will also be able to taste delicious dishes and drinks made according to ancient recipes, and immerse yourself in the merry maelstrom of Masnytsia.
The action will end with the burning of Winter’s effigy. The sacred fire will absorb all evil: bad thoughts, hostile intentions, black evil, with which dark forces sow our land.
When: February 25 at 5:00 p.m
Where: National Museum of the History of Ukraine, Volodymyrska Street, 2
Cost of participation — 250 hryvnias The telephone number for making an appointment is 099 742 07 58 (Viber and Telegram).
On Saturday, February 25, to the Day of Resistance to the Occupation of Crimea, in the “Oscar” cinema pass a special screening of the documentary film “Crimea as it was”.
Maria Kataeva
