It was a bright evening, spent on the beach complex in Kiev. Ivana Kupala is an ancient Slavic feast, celebrated during the night from 6th to 7th of July.

Ivana Kupala originally is a pagan feast of beauty, youth and purifying. Our ancestors believed that during this night dark forces wake up and wander through the villages, waiting for the victim. That is the reason why traditionally during the Ivana Kupala night no one should sleep.

Ukrainians respect their traditions and culture and we do celebrate our ethnic feasts and holidays from year to year. In 2016 Beinside team joined the celebration at Olmeca Plage.

From the beginning of celebration, we immersed into the atmosphere of joy and happiness. Entertaining program included performances of Ukrainian bands, roundelays, dancing, different contests.

Guests were awaited for different craft workshops such as pottery and making traditional handmade doll “lyalka motanka”. Girls traditionally were engaged to making flower garlands by their hands.

At the end of the evening guests moved to the beach, where was made a huge fire. Traditionally, girls put their garlands on the water of Dnipro River. After that, guests jumped over the fire. Couples should jump together, holding their hands tightly. If they manage not to separate their hands during the jump this will bring a big happiness to the couple and most likely show they will stay together forever.

Photos by Andrii Kuzmin

https://beinside.ua/2016/07/1638/