Malanka
Malanka (Ukrainian New Year’s Eve) is traditionally celebrated on January 13th. It is rich in ancient ritual, folklore and magic. The ancestors of Ukrainians believed that on New Year’s Eve, good and evil spirits descended on the 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.
We may not believe in the old myths, or carry on ancient traditions, but what better way to bring in a new year than to celebrate with excellent food, exceptional entertainment in the company of close friends and legendary Ukrainian hospitality.
We look forward to seeing you next year!
Malanka 2021 Cancelled
Due to Covid-19 and Public Health restrictions, Malanka 2021 is cancelled. We are very hopeful for next year and look forward to celebrating Ukrainian New Years in January 2022.
Malanka: Ukrainian New Year’s Eve 2020
There was anticipation and excitement on Saturday, January 25th, 2020at our Ivan Franko Community Centre as people gathered for another sold out Malanka. While enjoying a delicious variety of hors d’oeuvres, our guests were entertained by the Ukrainian Prairie Band playing old-time Ukrainian music on tsymbaly, fiddle, accordian, and guitar under the leadership of Gladys Andreas. This was followed by a sumptuous buffet dinner including pyrohy, holubtsi, kasha, sauerkraut, salmon, roast beef, a variety of salads and other items that would give everyone the energy to dance the night away.
After dinner, Tamara Pitts introduced our program of a selection of Ukrainian dances performed by Dovbush Ukrainian Dancers of Vancouver and Kvitka Ukrainian Dancers from Surrey. Their energized performances were very well received by our guests. Also, back by popular demand, S-Bahn played past midnight. The musicians were vocalist Richard Tyce on accordian and keyboards, Fred Ardiel on guitar, Jason Winikoff on drums and vocalist Kurt Ward – Tyce playing the violin and mandolin. Everyone also thoroughly enjoyed listening to a great selection of Alpenhorn music performed by Jim Hopson. The dance floor was full as S-Bahn played and sang a wide selection of songs including the traditional and highly entertaining kolomayka. As midnight approached, we were handed sparkling wine, noisemakers and hats and the New Year was celebrated by all.
The MC duties were ably handled by George Brandak and Natalie Jatskevich.
Many thanks to our Malanka Committee for its organization and preparation for this year’s festivities. Fran Zukewich, our Volunteer Director, ensured we had volunteers to help with the food preparation, setup, decorating, ticket sales and various other tasks and staff that prepared and served an outstanding meal. Malanka would not be possible without the hard work and efforts of many.
We are also very grateful to Dixon Mitchell Investment Counsel for their generous donation and sponsorship of Malanka 2020. With its financial support, we are providing our guests with a fabulous evening of entertainment. Thanks so much Dixon Mitchell for your support!
Dixon Mitchell Investment Counsel is a local wealth management firm providing investment solutions for foundations, endowments and private clients, and currently oversees more than $2 billion in private and institutional assets. It is recognized for the strength of its investment professionals, disciplined investment process and unwavering commitment to its clients. To find out more about Dixon Mitchell Investment Counsel go to www.dixonmitchell.com
We look forward to seeing you next year!
Allow me to dive into the world of MalankaMalanka, the Ukrainian New Year's Eve celebration. As an enthusiast deeply rooted in the rich traditions and cultural practices, I can assure you that Malanka is not just a date on the calendar; it's a tapestry woven with ancient rituals, folklore, and magic.
The mention of January 13th as MalankaMalanka is significant. This date aligns with the Ukrainian tradition, which is steeped in the belief that on New Year's Eve, the spirits, both benevolent and malevolent, descend upon the earth. This belief is not just a whimsical notion; it reflects the ancestral wisdom of Ukrainians who sought to ward off evil forces and usher in a prosperous new year through various customs.
The mention of dancing, a lavish and ritualistic meal, fortune-telling, courting, casting of spells, and singing carols known as Shchedrivky paints a vivid picture of the diverse activities encompassed in Malanka celebrations. These elements are not mere embellishments; they carry the weight of tradition, each contributing to the holistic experience aimed at ensuring a bountiful and joyful year ahead.
Now, as we journey through the article, the unfortunate cancellation of Malanka 2021 due to Covid-19 and public health restrictions underscores the cultural significance and community bonding that this celebration fosters. The anticipation and excitement described in the 2020 celebration portray the eagerness of the community to come together, share delicious food, and revel in exceptional entertainment.
The detailed account of the 2020 Malanka celebration at the Ivan Franko Community Centre is a testament to the meticulous planning and execution involved. From the tantalizing variety of hors d'oeuvres to the captivating performances by the Ukrainian Prairie Band and the Ukrainian dancers, every aspect reflects a commitment to preserving and celebrating Ukrainian heritage.
The role of S-Bahn, the musical ensemble, featuring instruments like tsymbaly, fiddle, accordion, guitar, drums, and vocals, adds another layer to the cultural richness of Malanka. The inclusion of traditional dances, such as the kolomayka, speaks to the authenticity and continuity of Ukrainian traditions.
Moreover, the acknowledgment of sponsors like Dixon Mitchell Investment Counsel reinforces the communal support and collaboration that sustains such cultural festivities. Dixon Mitchell's generous donation and sponsorship not only contribute to the success of Malanka but also highlight the importance of external support in preserving cultural heritage.
In essence, Malanka is not merely a celebration; it's a living testament to the resilience of traditions, the spirit of community, and the enduring magic that binds generations together. As we eagerly await the next Malanka, let's appreciate the cultural mosaic it represents and the efforts of those who work tirelessly to keep these traditions alive.
