BONNYVILLE - After being delayed due to extremely cold weather, the local Ukrainian community gathered to celebrate Malanka at Beaver River Fish & Game Association on Saturday night in Bonnyville.
“It's a chance for the young Ukrainian dancers to perform and it's the highlight of the Ukrainian community in Bonnyville,” says Genia Leskiw, former MLA for the region and longtime member of Bonnyville’s Ukrainian community.
Malanka, also known as Ukrainian New Years, is celebrated on either Dec. 31 or Jan. 13 depending on which calendar Ukrainian’s choose to follow.
The name Malanka is derived from ancient folklore. Malanka was Mother Earth’s daughter who was kidnapped by the devil. As a result, there was no spring while she was in captivity. When Malanka returned, the Earth bloomed once again.
Ukrainian culture was on full display Saturday night, along with traditional cuisine.
According to Leskiw, Malanka in Bonnyville is a blend of both Ukrainian and Canadian traditions mixed together, with Ukrainians dressed in traditional attire known as vyshyvanka.
Although festival organizers had to postpone the event one week because of -50 C wind chill, Malanka was still a success this year with full plates and full tables.
