Kupala Fest "Svyata Sontsa"

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Kupala Night is associated with numerous legends and myths. Our ancestors believed that on this night rivers started glowing and mermaids emerged bathing in the water. Mermaids were believed to be the reincarnation of the souls of people who passed away. This night witches, sorcerers and ghosts roamed the earth trying to do harm to people; plants and animals started speaking and the sun "played" at dawn.

However, to see these miracles and to understand the language of plants and animals was only possible with the help of a fern flower that bloomed only once a year. The fern flower gave a supranational ability to see the future and find all the world’s hidden treasures. However, only a very bold person could get this elusive flower. Roaming through the forests in search of the fern flower was one of the most mysterious rituals of Kupala Night.

Every year with the onset of the longest summer days and short nights Belarusians start celebrating Kupala Night on the banks of rivers and lakes. Today, these festivities are a mix of ancient traditions and rituals, theatrical concerts and fun games.

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