Colourful tradional dress, wonderful music and a mystery play cheered up a gloomy January day when Deputy Lieutenant Colonel Jane Carey-Harris joined Denys Nizalov and others at the Canterbury for Ukraine Malanka celebrations held in St Mary’s Church. Malanka is an ancient and cherished winter celebration.
The C4U Ladies Choir sang traditional Ukrainian folk songs, carols and shchedrivky (New Year songs) ably introduced by one of the choir. David Chapman accompanied on piano and the choir was conducted by Joanna Chapman.
A captivating reenactment of the Leading the Goat ritual was performed by the C4U Young Ukrainians Hub. This combines elements of pre-Christian rituals with Christian customs and symbolizes renewal, unity, and the triumph of light over darkness. The young actors did so well with occasional prompting from the side
After a moving afternoon performance, the audience were treated to traditional food and drinks, prepared by members of C4U including mothers in the Young Hearts Club. The Malanka project is part-funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, with Canterbury City Council as the lead authority. This initiative forms part of the UK Government’s Levelling Up agenda, which aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK.
