Ever want to join in on a cultural festival but always seem like an outsider? It’s impossible to feel that way at the Ukrainian New Year celebration at the Jasper Park Lodge, held annually each January in Alberta’s Rocky Mountains.
Malanka , as it’s called in Ukrainian, is a festival-sized event that feels like one big family reunion. Except that it’s not a family and it’s not a reunion, it just feels that way…
Malanka: Ukrainian New Year
As Ukrainian dance instructor and ex-dancer Tammy Komarnisky puts it, Malanka is about experiencing all of the Ukrainian Christmas traditions in one weekend. Khrystos Narodyvsia! Here is a taste of what that means:
- St. Nicholas Day: This is the day for gift giving and is a reminder to children that a holy man called Nicolas came before Santa Claus was created. In a condensed version, St. Nicolas visits the JPL for about a half an hour.
- Christmas Eve: This tradition is usually represented on the Saturday night by a large dinner and dance. The “holy supper” starts the Christmas season and ends the Fast of St. Philip. 40 days of preparing physically and spiritually is embodied in the presentation of the tables and the twelve dishes served that symbolize the twelve apostles (although many more than 12 dishes are served at this event). Of great importance is the throwing of the kutia to the ceiling: hopefully it sticks, because that means it will be a prosperous year!
- Malanka: After dinner, it’s time to celebrate the coming of the New Year. Youth begin the festivities by putting on a skit featuring many traditional characters like Malanka, Baba, animals, peddlers and, of course, the evil one. From there, live music and dancing ensues until the wee hours of the night.
- The Feast of Jordan of Theophany: Although usually held outdoors on a frozen river, this service is performed indoors on the Sunday morning of this event. The blessing of water ceremony is performed that adjusts to the venue but aims to keep the spirit of the tradition alive.
All of the above traditions are a part of Malanka at the Jasper Park Lodge and everyone is welcome, whether of Ukrainian descent or not. Although some parts may be spoken in Ukrainian, the weekend is predominantly an English-speaking event.
For those who want to learn more about Ukrainian culture, take part in the cooking demonstration, chat with the artists during the artisan fair, join in the singing with the carollers, hit the frozen lake to skate a few laps around, and make sure to mingle! By the end of the weekend, it can be forgiven to think this is your family reunion.
Ukrainian Dance
Other than the choirs, Ukrainian dancing is one of the largest components of the event. The Vohon Ukrainian Dance Ensemble takes to the stage each night and has been doing so since the inception of the event in 1997. Clap and cheer on the colourful dancers as they jump, split, twirl and show off their athletic dancing abilities during the Hopak, Kolomyjka and Bukovynian dances.
Travel tip: Don’t let the energetic performers tucker you out. Later in the evening on Saturday the popular Kolomyjka happens, where everyone gathers into a circle and watches as individuals and groups take turns flaunting their tricks in the centre. It’s perfectly acceptable to get in there and show off some non-Ukrainian moves, too...
The Jasper Park Lodge
It’s hard to think of a better host for Malanka than the Jasper Park Lodge. This grand hotel opens its doors to the Ukrainian community with much enthusiasm. Staff at the front desk wear Vyshyvanka and the whole lodge is filled with festive decorations.
For 2011, Malanka at the Jasper Park Lodge is celebrating its 15th anniversary, so expect even bigger and better things to come.
Lori Henry - A travel writer, Lori flits between exploring the world with incessant curiosity and huddling over her laptop writing.
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