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Ukrainian New Year’s Eve Celebrated in St. Michael
Ukrainian New Year’s Eve Celebrated in St. Michael
Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser
Malanka, (Ukrainian New Year’s Eve) was celebrated in style by a large crowd at the St. Michael Recreation Centre on Jan. 11.
Malanka, rich in ancient ritual and folklore, the ancestors of Ukrainians believed that on New Year’s Eve good and evil spirits descended on earth. In order to ward off the evil forces and ensure a bountiful new year, the night was spent in dancing, partaking of a lavish and ritualistic meal, fortune telling, courting, casting of spells and singing carols of well wishes called Shchedrivky.
Carrying on many aspects of Malanka, there was exceptional food, entertainment, the company of friends and family, along with legendary hospitality during the time-honoured gala hosted by the St. Michael Community & District Agriculture Society.
Emcee Mae Adamyk said there were approximately 290 attendees with a floor staff of 18 and kitchen staff of 10. She added, “Being a small community of volunteers, many staff multi-tasked from being door and table ushers to selling 50/50 tickets to assisting in the pre for the Malanka cast or being part of the cast. Turned out well, many compliments over the meal and friendly environment of our community.”
She added that four groups had preordered tables of 10 for next year!
The evening began with Brenn Weleschuk leading in the singing of the Ukrainian National Anthem. The Community Choir sang God Eternal before the meal began. “The choir also sang, ‘When There’s Peace in the Family’ after the introduction of the cast and during the balloon drop singing Auld Lang Syne.
Attendees were also entertained by the Starlites, featuring Lisa and the Fiddlers, as well as members of the Lamont Veselka Dancers. Lyla Vanpeteghen said that while her children had all been a part of Ukrainian dancing growing up, it was the first time she has tried Ukrainian dancing. She hopes more adults will join the group and she is looking forward to performing again in the future.
One of the other highlights of the evening was the cast of characters who played various parts while the the story of Malanka was retold.
