Kolyady: discover an old-timer tradition in Belarus

3 min read

1 year ago Robin

Kolyady is a vibrant festival celebrated in parts of Eastern Europe, particularly Belarus, that marks the transition from the end of the Christmas season to the start of the New Year.
The highlight of the day is the ritual performance of “Kalyady Tsars,” where young men dress as tsars and visit homes, bringing blessings and good fortune for the upcoming year as a tradition that symbolizes community unity as well as the hope for prosperity as villagers come together to share in this unique and joyful event.
The rite of the Kolyady Tsars dates back to the 18th century, when the tsar’s military units were located not far from the village of Semezhevo, an agrotown in Kapyl District, Minsk Region.
According to the local legend, during the New Year celebrations in accordance to the old style calendar, Julian calendar, soldiers and officers visited local houses to give comic performances and receive rewards. Since then, locals continued the tradition and turned it into a unique Christmas event.

During Kolyady, the village transforms into a lively scene filled with music, carols, and laughter, with people wearing traditional clothing, sing festive songs, and go door to door, spreading cheer and collecting small gifts.
This celebration reflects the community’s deep-rooted cultural identity and connection to their heritage and, despite modern changes, the festival remains a cherished tradition that fosters a sense of belonging and collective joy, a time when ancient customs blend with contemporary life, creating a colorful tapestry of celebration and unity.
This traditional festival is all about merrymaking, community spirit, and connecting with cultural roots, and it wouldn’t be complete without a table full of delicious traditional treats like kutya, a sweet wheat porridge, and other local specialties.
A bonfire is also a staple of Kolyady celebrations, to symbolize warmth and light during the cold winter nights.

Interestingly, Kolyady began long ago, even before Christianity spread across Eastern Europe, starting as a celebration of the winter solstice, the time when days began to get longer again.
People believed the sun needed encouragement to return, so they created rituals to help, singing songs, dancing, and liting fires to symbolize the return of warmth and light.
Slavic tribes were the first to celebrate Kolyady, honoring nature and the changing seasons with festive gatherings, believing these rituals brought good fortune for the coming year.
Later, the church adapted these customs into the Christmas season, blending old traditions with new religious practices.
Although modern life has changed how people celebrate, many still enjoy these customs singing carols, sharing special foods, and remembering their heritage.
Either way Kolyady remains a joyful time, connecting past and present through shared traditions.
The rite is celebrated on “Shchedry Vecher” (Shchedrets, Shchodryk, Malanka, from Russian ”shchedry” – lavish) on 13/14 January.