A guide to places where you can traditionally celebrate Kalyady (Christmas)
Today, carol singers rarely go from house to house. But in some museums, you can participate in these rituals, taste traditional dishes, and watch a Batleika (Nativity scene puppet theatre).
Kalyady in Sula. Photo: parksula.by
Kalyady in traditional Belarusian culture was a time when different worlds coexisted in one house. Christian prayers and folk beliefs, everyday life and magic did not contradict each other. For the holiday, houses were decorated with straw "spiders" that were supposed to protect the home, and carols were sung.
A goat prepared for the rounds. Often its role was played by disguised carolers. Author's photo
The Kalyady period opened a time of entertainment and visiting: people went to visit each other, sang, danced, and played. Fortune-telling occupied a special place — especially among girls who tried to learn about their future marriage, family, and children. In the Gomel region, for example, a particularly large number of such fortune-tellings have been recorded.
A straw spider over the loom — a protector of the house. Orsha Ethnographic Museum "Mlyn". Author's photo
Below are several places in Belarus where traditional Kalyady rituals are trying to be preserved alive.
Museum of Folk Architecture and Rural Life near Minsk
December 27, 13:00–14:30
Kalyady at the Museum of Folk Architecture and Rural Life is recreated not as a show, but as a ritual.
The basis of the program is a Kalyady round, in which museum guests can also participate: carolers congratulate the hosts, ritual songs are sung, including "Where the goat walks, there the rye grows", Kalyady characters and the Bethlehem star appear. A special place is occupied by Batleika — a traditional puppet theatre.
In addition to the rounds, visitors will be able to join Kalyady activities — games, dances, making decorations, and also fortune-telling.
Great Duchy of Sula
December 24 and January 6, 19:00
At the "Great Duchy of Sula" complex, Kalyady is offered to be experienced in the format of a thematic dinner "Kalyady Heritage of Belarus". During the celebration, guests do not just observe, but become part of the rituals — including "Kalyady Tsars" and "Baking a Cat".
For guests, a festive dinner with traditional dishes is prepared, which in Belarusian culture were usually cooked only once a year — during the Kalyady weeks.
In Sula, Kalyady predominantly exists in the format of a tourist experience, where the ritual is adapted for guest participation.
Vetka Museum (branch in Gomel)
December 25, 14:00
At the Vetka Museum branch in Gomel, Kalyady is offered to be understood through the intimate format of a master class. Here you can make a Kalyady candle from beeswax — a simple but semantically rich element associated with home comfort and the expectation of a miracle.
This format is an example of how the Kalyady tradition can be touched today not only through ritual, but also through individual objects and practices.
"Folwark Raskosha" (Myadzel District)
From December 10 to January 15
At "Folwark Raskosha", Kalyady is celebrated not at a specific time, but by prior arrangement. Their interactive program is created around a restored ritual: with Kalyady characters, dances, round dances, and games.
Visitors are also served a traditional lunch in the tavern, master classes are held, and tasks and games are offered.
The celebration format is designed for various scenarios, and if desired, you can stay overnight.
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