Malanka! A Ukrainian New Year Celebration

Malanka is a Ukrainian folk holiday celebrated on January 13th, which is New Year's Eve in accordance with the Julian calendar. In addition to Malanka, this celebration on January 13 is also referred to as the Eve of Bounteous Gifts, Shchedrivka ("Generous Time"), or Old New Year. In different parts of Ukraine, traditions of Malanka celebrations differ slightly, but it remains a day of public enjoyment, entertainment and lavish merrymaking, a true carnival. "Mummers" or spirited actors and carolers dress up in costumes and masks. They ring in the New Year by playing pranks and acting out small plays. Malanka completes the festivities of the Christmas holidays and is often the last opportunity for partying before the solemn period of Lent, which precedes Easter.

The Fort McMurray Ukrainian Cultural Society and Avrora Dancers are hosting their 32nd annual Malanka on Saturday, January 15, 2011 at the Sawridge Inn and Conference Center.

Doors open at 5:30

Dance Presentation at 6:00

Dinner and family dance to follow

Tickets will be available starting January 3, 2011 by calling Shelby at 780-713-3550 or 780-881-1099. Ticket prices are as follows:

• Adults 16+ $60.00
• Student 11-15 $40.00
• Child 6-10 $25.00
• Child 2-5 $15.00
• Under 2 Free (ticket required)

For more information about the Fort McMurray Malanka celebration or the Ukrainian Culture Society and Avora Dancers go to their website: http://fmukrainiandance.com/index.html

Thank you to the Troyanda Society of Ukrainian Culture & Heritage Website and the Ukrainian Canadian Site for information on Malanka.