Slavic tradition of Kupala preserved in Belarus

Vasily Fedosenko / Reuters

Women jump over a campfire during the Ivan Kupala festival in the town of Turov, Belarus on July 6, 2012.

The traditional Slavic festival of Kupala Night celebrates the summer solstice with overnight festivities. Kupala is celebrated in Ukraine, Belarus, Poland and Russia on the Gregorian calendar of June 23 or 24. People sing and dance before jumping over campfires believed to purge sins and improve health.

Read more about Kupala here

Vasily Fedosenko / Reuters

A woman wears a wreath during the Ivan Kupala festival.

Vasily Fedosenko / Reuters

Belarusian girls float wreaths with candles as part of the Ivan Kupala festival.

Vasily Fedosenko / Reuters

Belarusians take part in the Kupala festival.

Vasily Fedosenko / Reuters

Belarusians take part in the Ivan Kupala festival.

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Comment author avatarbigbenalaska

That looks like fun ....

  • 3 votes
Reply#1 - Fri Jul 6, 2012 7:46 PM EDT
Comment author avatarDale-3164710

Beautiful women over there from what I see.

  • 2 votes
Reply#2 - Fri Jul 6, 2012 10:05 PM EDT
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