Corner Gathering
Witness costumed groups assembling with straw bears and other characters; festive music and rituals start.
~18:00
Krasnoilsk Malanka
Красноїльська Маланка
Krasnoilsk, Ukraine
Jan 13 - 14, 2027ConfirmedSource
Each January 13, on the eve of the Old New Year, the village of Krasnoilsk comes alive with the Malanka carnival. Locals costumed as the King, Queen, Bear, and other figures visit house to house with singing and dancing, in an ancient Slavic celebration of the turning of the year held with rare devotion in Bukovina.
Key moments
Jan 13
House-to-House Procession
Observers line the streets or invite performers in, hearing traditional songs and watching rituals up close.
~20:00
Jan 14
Closing Parade
A large crowd gathers to see the full pageant of bears, gypsies, and other characters together. Visitors see the ceremonial end of Malanka.
~14:00
Where it happens
Krasnoilsk Village Council Square
Krasnoilsk, Ukraine
Open in MapsHow to show up well
Plan the timing
Traditional costume optional (bear skins, masks)
Bring the right payment
Do not approach the procession; allow Malanka participants to come to you. Applaud and smil...
Respect local boundaries
This is a sacred community ritual, not a tourist carnival. Visitors should observe quietly...
Practical notes
Crowds & timing
Crowd level: moderate.
Tickets
Free events are available.
Reviewed mediaREGIONAL COMMUNITY & FOLK LIFE
Krasnoilsk Malanka
Красноїльська Маланка
Krasnoilsk, Ukraine
Each January 13, on the eve of the Old New Year, the village of Krasnoilsk comes alive with the Malanka carnival. Locals costumed as the King, Queen, Bear, and other figures visit house to house with singing and dancing, in an ancient Slavic celebration of the turning of the year held with rare devotion in Bukovina.
Under the radarStill under the radar
Jan 13 - 14, 2027Confirmed dates
Verified this year
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The story behind it
The Krasnoilsk Malanka festival, held around Old New Year (Jan 13–14), is an ancient Slavic celebration marking the end of winter and the eve of the New Year. Although suppressed during Soviet times, the tradition endured in northern Bukovina. Villagers in Krasnoilsk, a border settlement with a Romanian-majority population, prepare for Malanka for weeks, making elaborate straw costumes and masks. During the event, masked trou...
Key moments to know
Jan 132 moments
Jan 13~18:00Expected
Corner Gathering
Witness costumed groups assembling with straw bears and other characters; festive music and rituals start.
Jan 13~20:00Expected
House-to-House Procession
Observers line the streets or invite performers in, hearing traditional songs and watching rituals up close.
Jan 14
Jan 14~14:00Expected
Closing Parade
A large crowd gathers to see the full pageant of bears, gypsies, and other characters together. Visitors see the ceremonial end of Malanka.
Day 1Jan 13
Day 1Jan 13Approximate
Malanka Procession
Participants in bear and gypsy masks dance in village squares and perform caroling rituals, driving out evil and bringing in blessings for the New Year.
Day 2Jan 14
Day 2Jan 14Around 14:00Approximate
Main Malanka Procession
Visitors line the street to watch performers in wild bear, gypsy, and character costumes enact dances and skits, and present donations to home-owners (often in humorously extorted tribute).
How to show up well
first-timer tips
Plan the timing
Traditional costume optional (bear skins, masks)
Bring the right payment
Do not approach the procession; allow Malanka participants to come to you. Applaud and smile, give a small cash...
Respect local boundaries
This is a sacred community ritual, not a tourist carnival. Visitors should observe quietly and respectfully (av...
Ask before close-up photos
Ask permission
Essentials at a glance
Date window
Jan 13 - 14, 2027
Confirmed
City / Area
Krasnoilsk
Bukovina (Chernivtsi)
Cost
Free public events available
Good for
Families welcome
Very High visitor welcome
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