Malanka Festival

Revelers in costumes of bears and gypsies celebrate the Malanka Festival on Thursday, January 14, 2016 in Krasnoilsk, Ukraine. The annual celebrations, which consist of costumed villagers going in a group from house to house singing, playing music, and performing skits, began the previous sundown, went all night, and will last until evening. The roles are traditionally taken by single men of marrying age; the elaborate butterfly-like bear costumes are very heavy, as are the clubs the gypsies carry. It is in part a demonstration of strength by the single men.

Add to Cart Add to Lightbox Download

Filename: i53095_160114_00234.jpg
Copyright: Brendan Hoffman
Image Size: 5760x3840 / 9.6MB; i53095
Contained in galleries: Malanka in Krasnoilsk 2016

Revelers in costumes of bears and gypsies celebrate the Malanka Festival on Thursday, January 14, 2016 in Krasnoilsk, Ukraine. The annual celebrations, which consist of costumed villagers going in a group from house to house singing, playing music, and performing skits, began the previous sundown, went all night, and will last until evening. The roles are traditionally taken by single men of marrying age; the elaborate butterfly-like bear costumes are very heavy, as are the clubs the gypsies carry. It is in part a demonstration of strength by the single men.