Traditional folk ritual of late 18th century Kolyada

Traditional folk ritual of late 18th century Kolyada inscribed on UNESCO list being revived in Belarus village Semezhava of Kopyl district.

Ilona Butovskaya reprots: Today Kolyada is celebrated in a three in one format featuring fairs, games and rituals.
(Tatiana Shaura, director of the Semezhava center of culture and recreation, head of the team "Kolyada Kings")
Movement minted under the close supervision of the leader and the loud sounds of drums. If they appear on the streets even the local dogs stand as if petrified. All residents are in anticipation of the Kolyada Kings, though the ceremony is held annually.
The ritual was first revived in 1996. People collected documentary materials, interviewed old-timers, conducted research. They even rented eponymous film "Kolyada Kings".
This year's parade has two kinds of participants, meaning experienced kings and the younger generation - the local high school students. They are traditionally dressed in special costumes - black pants, shirts and red belts, on their heads they have high hats with colored paper ribbons.
(Alexander Shatsilin, plays the King Mamai)
Now they select exclusively the houses of unmarried girls.
(Mikhail Loban, plays King Maximilian)
7 Kings are accompanied by a musician, Mikhanosha and evil forces - an old man and an old woman who need to do a naughty job without appearing to do so.
(Ivan Mackiewicz, resident of the village Semezhava, the first in the role of King Maximilian)
The entire village is engaged in the three or four day celebrations.

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