Koleda! Slavic Winter Festival
Schedule
Sun Jan 08 2023 at 12:30 pm to 06:00 pm
Location
Oregon Latvian Society | Portland, OR
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On the longest & darkest night of the year, when the world is cold, and the sun shows itself just for a few hours, we all need something to elevate our spirits. In many cultures, this transitional time between the waning sun and the waxing sun is seen as magical. Slavic countries aren't an exception. Even before the advent of Christianity, our ancestors celebrated a holiday filled with rituals to welcome back the sun, banish evil, bring abundance & honor our forefathers & foremothers. On January 8, we will follow in their footsteps and celebrate Koleda, a Slavic winter solstice. We will revel, feast, dress up as animals and magical creatures, sing carols, dance, tell fortunes, and much more. The warmth of our hearts and our community's strength will help us pass the longest nights of the year!
Join us on January 8, 2023, in the Latvian Community Center to honor the new sun. The festival will bring together unique Slavic traditions from Ukraine, Russia, and Belarus. You will experience the following:
* Entertainment by Skomorokhs & mummers;
Welcoming into a home ceremony with Olena Bilyk (Ukraine);
* Traditional foods by Nadia Huliychuk: kutya, pirozhki & uzvar;
* Variety of traditional craft vendors;
* Traditional crafts workshops: making Koleda stars, block printing, Angel Christmas tree ornaments & Koza-doll;
* Songs, carols & dancing from Ukraine, Belarus, and Russia
* And a musical performance by Siarhei Douhushau, a renowned Belarusian folk artist,
The night will end with dancing around the bonfire.
This festival is a fully immersive experience- you and your family will have an option to become a part of most performances!
The event will begin at 12:30 pm and is projected to end at 6 pm.
The leading performers will be Olena Bilyk, Ukraine (Kupala 2022 Host), and Siarhei Douhushau, Belarus (Ethnograph, traditional musician).
Please wear something warm for the outdoor part, even though most of the program will be held inside. Traditional clothes, animal costumes, and masks are very welcomed m, encouraged and will add to a festive atmosphere. Do you have a beautiful traditional scarf? It would also make a wonderful costume! A professional photographer will work on-site.
Be prepared to dance and sing, support local vendors, participate in games and try traditional holiday food. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about your family’s culture or about an old tradition that might be brand new to you! We will have an English interpreter and printed-out program available for our English-speaking audience. We hope it will be a magical time for each of you!
We want to make sure everyone, despite their financial situation, can attend our festival, that's why we offer two ticket options - free and paid. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation. Please get the free ticket only if your financial situation does not allow you to purchase one. All proceeds will cover the organizational expenses, such as decorations, food, supplies, performer fees, and much more, and fund our future community projects.
If you’re still thinking - ask a friend who attended Kupala Summer Festival of 2022, or a friend who unleashed their creativity at one of the Mask-making Workshops, or just look st the FH website https://www.foolhouse.online/ moments from these and other events will show the unforgettable authentic atmosphere and inspired participants. You’ll be inspired too!
We can’t wait to see you at the winter festival!
Get your tickets here:
https://foolhouse.yapsody.com/event/index/752499/kolyada
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Where is it happening?
Oregon Latvian Society, 5500 SW Dosch Road,Portland,OR,United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays: