Local men wearing bear costumes march during the celebrations of the winter holiday Malanka in the village of Krasnoilsk, western Ukraine, 14 January 2020.
‘Malanka’ – or ‘Old New Year Celebrations’ is one of the most popular traditional festivals in Western Ukraine celebrated every year between 13 and 14 January, which is New Year’s Eve in accordance with the old Julian calendar.
During these two days of celebration, locals, young and old, wear traditional masks and carnival costumes and stroll from house to house singing carols, wishing households good luck, while at the same time playing pranks or performing short plays.
epa08127623 Ukrainians wearing masks and carnival costumes attend a parade as they celebrate the winter holiday of Malanka in Vashkivtsi village, near Chernivtsi, western Ukraine, 14 January 2020. Malanka or ‘Old New Year Celebrations’ is one of the most popular traditional festivals in Western Ukraine celebrated every year between 13 and 14 January, which is New Year’s Eve in accordance with the old Julian calendar. During these two days of celebration, locals, young and old, wear traditional masks and carnival costumes and stroll from house to house singing carols, wishing households good luck, while at the same time playing pranks or performing short plays. EPA-EFE/PAVLO PALAMARCHUK
