On February 21-22, the «Winter Wonderland» project concludes in Kyiv, marking the start of the vibrant Maslenitsa festival.
This year, the celebration focuses on promoting Ukrainian folk traditions. The aim is not only to create a joyful atmosphere but also to educate guests about ancient customs that have shaped our cultural identity.
The program will include the recreation of traditional Maslenitsa rituals such as tying the log, singing spring songs, and bidding farewell to winter.
Guests can enjoy performances by folk ensembles, dance masterclasses, and food courts offering Ukrainian dishes, including traditional pancakes and dumplings.
An interesting addition will be the custom of log-tying, where unmarried men humorously receive a log as a reminder of family values.
A special part of the program will feature a lecture series from the project «Roots», with a talk on Maslenitsa by folklorist Daria Antsybor and a meeting with culinary researcher Olena Braichenko, discussing traditional dishes and their meanings.
The ritual of log-driving for young people who haven't married before Lent will be conducted by Ukrainian singer and bandurist Bohdana Onopchuk.
The VDNH area will be transformed into an ethnographic space adorned with colorful ribbons and themed photo zones featuring Ukrainian symbols, allowing everyone to take memorable photos.
The highlight of the celebration will be the spectacular ritual of burning the winter effigy, symbolically bidding farewell to cold weather.
Everyone is welcome to join in and feel the warmth of folk traditions; admission is free.
As a reminder, within the «Winter Wonderland» project, there are around twenty thematic spaces with cozy areas for relaxation.