Fortune-telling with valenki and a parade-carnival: "Kolyadny Razgulyay" will be held in Polotsk district
"Kolyadny Razgulyay" will traditionally begin in the village of Bogatyrskaya, where the local creative group "Galasy Spadchyny" has been carefully preserving and developing the Kolyady traditions of Polotsk for 48 years. This time, all lovers of winter fun are expected there on January 12. Representatives of all rural councils of the district will compete for prizes as always. Each of them will present their Kolyady team of four people: a star bearer with a star, a bag bearer with a sack, a witty initiator, and masked characters (according to local traditions, these will be images of a goat, a bear, a stork, or a horse). Anyone who wishes can also register their team.
The program of the eventful day will open with a parade-carnival. Participants will walk through the village homesteads with Kolyady songs, dances, and sacks. The owners of the largest sack will receive not only rich gifts but also victory in the competition. The performances will continue with the creative ring "Dzivosy na Kolyady" featuring the customs of the Polotsk district, the selection of the best costumed group in the "Kolyadny Garderobchik" competition, and other contests.
The main focus of the holiday will be on felt boots (valenki). All teams prepare them in advance, using improvised materials, their knowledge, and imagination. Participants will choose the best pair presented, then use the felt boots for fortune-telling, then dance in them, and finally, the footwear will be tested for durability in humorous battles.
The organizers of the holiday promise plenty of games and entertainment for everyone, and to maintain strength and enthusiasm, traditional village porridge and hot tea will be served.