5 Malankas of Halychyna and Bukovyna

Malanka

Malanka – A folk celebration on the eve of the Old New Year, during which people dress up in costumes of animals and folk characters. Pagan and Christian rites are intertwined in this celebration. In Ukraine, especially bright “malankuyut”celebrate Malanka, in Bukovina, Ternopil and Frankivshchyna region. We give you the chance to overview some of the most colorful and interesting Malanka of Ukraine. The action takes place in the form of a parade of the central part of the cities and villages and everyone can join them. You could compare it to a carnival-like celebration!

Beleluia

One of the famous villages of the Frankivshchyna region, Beleluia has preserved the traditions of Malanka. The carolers of the three parts of the “corners” of the village, dressed in the authentic costumes of the goat, death, devil, Vasyl (Basil), Malanka and bears, go from house to house singing the old carols. At lunch, the “malankari” gather in the center of the village or city, to show their strength; especially spectacular are the fights of bears who fight in suits, made of a grasslike plant called sedge, that weigh up to 50 kilograms.

Ustya

It is located at the confluence of the river Nichlava in the Dniester and is famous for its bright Malanka. At the Malanka festival, you can see the pirate ships, Indians, car platforms, famous politicians and stars of show business.

Goroshova

This place is known for its warm Dniester climate and tomatoes. To get to the festival-theatrical performance "Malanka of Goroshova" is not very easy because the road is constantly blocked by various checkpoints. Those who get to this famous festival of Ternopil region, however, admire the richness of costumes and colors, the hospitality of local residents and the originality of national traditions. In the village, you can see platform cars that depict giant animals, schooners (remove). Many residents are dressed in the old folk costumes, and among the guests, you can see the Hollywood actors and Arab princes.

Chahor

The residents of this village have something to offer to the pickiest connoisseurs of Malanka. On the streets of this wealthy village, rides a large chariot of the gods of Olympus, with winged Pegasus. You are also invited to the “Wigwam” by hospitable Indians, and Cossacks blinking at you, offering you to drink special Vodka.

Budenets

In this picturesque village of Bukovina, admirers of antiquity can see the beautiful Palace of Mikuli-Volinskij (ХІХ), with a 300-year-old oak tree and a local-style temple, the Church of St. Archangels Michael and Gabriel (1799). 

Krasnoilsk

In this village, near the Romanian border, is one of the most interesting and colorful festivals of Malanka in Ukraine. The festival of Malanka attracts the attention of many people of Ukraine and the world. Five large groups of young guys dress up in bright clothes and go from house to house congratulating the residents of the village with the Old New Year. Traditional costumes include: grandfather and grandmother, gypsies with straw bears on chains, kings and queens, riders and horses and doctors. Some suits weigh more than 100 kg. Come and parade along the central street, where malankari demonstrate their unique art to residents and guests of the village.