Under curfew, Ukrainians mark midsummer with bonfire jumping at a festival with pagan roots
Despite war-time restrictions, Ukrainians marked midsummer with festivals that feature frenetic folk dancing, flower decoration and jumping over bonfires
By Derek Gatopoulos And Efrem Lukatsky
Published - Jun 23, 2024, 04:59 PM ET
Last Updated - Jun 23, 2024, 04:59 PM EDT
KHOTIV, Ukraine (AP) — Despite war-time restrictions, Ukrainians marked midsummer with festivals that featured frenetic folk dancing, flower decoration and jumping over bonfires.
The festival of Ivana Kupala on Sunday was held as Ukrainians start their third summer at war, with Kyiv and other cities hit by regular blackouts and remaining under nightly curfew.
An hour’s drive south of the capital, several thousand joined the summer festival, many wearing shirts and dresses embroidered with traditional patterns.
Twisting soft twigs around leaves and flowers, Kateryna Harnik made floral crowns for herself and friends.
