Celebrating Maslenitsa in Kyiv

In Kyiv, from February 21 to 22, the «Winter Country» project wraps up, and the vibrant celebration of Maslenitsa begins. This year, the focus is on promoting Ukrainian folk traditions. The goal is not only to create a joyful atmosphere but also to fulfill an important educational mission: to introduce guests to ancient rituals that have shaped the cultural identity of our nation.
The celebration program includes the reenactment of traditional Maslenitsa rituals: tying the log, singing spring songs, bidding farewell to winter, and calling for spring.
Guests will enjoy performances by folk groups and dance workshops. Additionally, there will be food courts featuring Ukrainian cuisine, where attendees can taste traditional pancakes and dumplings with various fillings.
A special touch will be added to the celebration by the tradition of log tying: unmarried men will humorously receive a log as a reminder of family values.
A separate part of the program will be a lecture series from the project «Roots». In the book.ua space, there will be a lecture titled «What is Maslenitsa?» by folklorist Daria Antsibora, as well as a meeting with researcher of Ukrainian culinary culture Olena Braichenko, who will discuss traditional dishes and customs associated with this period.
The ritual of log dragging for young people who have not married in time before Lent will be conducted by Ukrainian singer and bandura player Bohdana Onopchuk, a researcher of authentic culture.
In honor of Maslenitsa, the VDNG area will be transformed into an ethnographic space, decorated with bright ribbons, straw decorations, and thematic photo zones showcasing Ukrainian symbolism. Everyone will have the opportunity to take atmospheric photos as a keepsake and immerse themselves in the authentic atmosphere of folk festivities.
The highlight of the celebration will be the spectacular ritual of burning the winter effigy — a symbolic farewell to the cold and a renewal of nature.
Everyone is invited to join, feel the warmth of folk traditions, and welcome spring. Admission to the celebration is free.
Remember, within the framework of the «Winter Country», around twenty thematic spaces with warm zones for relaxation and shelters in case of air alerts are operating at VDNG.