Koliada

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Koliada, also called Kolyada, Kalėda, Colindă, or Kolęda, is a traditional winter festival among Slavic and Eastern European communities. It runs from Christmas time to Epiphany, with dates varying by country (often from December 24–25 to early January, ending around January 6 or 7).

The name comes from ancient winter rituals and is tied to the solstice and the sun’s return. A main part of Koliada is groups of singers who go from house to house, singing carols and offering good wishes. In return, they usually receive treats, small money, or gifts. The tradition has different local names in various languages, such as koliadovanye in Russian and koliaduvannya in Ukrainian.

Across many regions, Koliada blends with other winter celebrations and is known by many local forms. In Bulgaria and North Macedonia, and in parts of northern Greece where Slavic languages are spoken, groups called koledari go door to door, singing kolęda/koleda songs and receiving gifts.

In Croatia (and nearby areas), the tradition is celebrated in music and dance. Croatian composer Jakov Gotovac wrote a piece called Koleda in 1925, and Dubrovnik has a long-standing kolenda tradition, including a dance called The Dubrovnik Koleda.

There are also unique local versions, such as a Halloween-like Koleda festival in the Turkish village of Büyükmandıra that dates back about a thousand years.

Overall, Koliada is a festive time of singing, sharing good wishes, and celebrating the return of light after winter, observed with different local customs across Slavic and Eastern European communities.