Winter Ritual Songs & Blessings with Ukrainian Village Voices

UVV is delighted to lead a village koliada workshop!

Koliada is a beautiful winter ritual that is prominently celebrated in Ukraine and in the diaspora alike. It is a pagan-turned-Christian Christmas season tradition of walking from home to home greeting people. The carolers bring holiday cheer and bestow blessings upon the dwellers through song and spoken verse, and receive gifts in return from generous hosts.

Zoya Shepko, Laryssa Czebiniak, and Ulana Pryjmak will immerse you in two hours of joyous koliada. They will teach you some of UVV's favorites, many of which were learned directly from singers and folklorists from Ukraine. These are not your traditional Ukrainian carols and are a wonderful embodiment of village spirit! This workshop will also share details about the ritual of koliada, including costumes, role-playing, props, and more.

Join us in merriment and let's usher in the holiday season together on Sunday, December 14 at 12:30 PM in Midtown!

Meet our Workshop Leaders

Ukrainian Village Voices is a New York City-based collective of Ukrainian and non-Ukrainian singers, whose mission is to preserve and revive the polyphonic singing style of Ukraine’s villages.

From the beginning of its founding, UVV has brought the tradition of koliada to businesses and homes, even caroling at the United Nations last December. Each year New Yorkers see us walking the streets of the East Village, bringing joy and blessings for the holiday season and new year. This is one of our favorite traditions and we are excited to share our unique take at this workshop, including the traditions of years past and how koliada is celebrated in modern life.

The workshop will be led by Zoya Shepko (Musical Director), Laryssa Czebiniak (Co-Founder & Managing Director), and Ulana Pryjmak (Communication Director). All are long-time singers with UVV and grew up steeped in koliada Christmas traditions.

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