From late June to early July, Belarusians in various parts of the world, from Lithuania to the USA, celebrate Kupalle, which relates to the summer solstice. The Belarusian leader joined the festivities in Vilnius. During the celebration, participants wove wreaths and floated them down the river, sang Belarusian folk songs, danced, and searched for the mythical fern flower — all in the cherished traditions of Kupalle!
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: “Thank you to the Belarusian diaspora in Vilnius for their celebration of Kupalle, for the warmth and sense of home. It felt just like being a child in my grandmother’s village, feeling so excited for the holiday, then weaving wreaths, and searching for the fern flower. Let me thank the organizers for making it possible to feel and participate in Belarusian traditions even while being in another country.
This morning I read about so many countries around the world where Belarusians have celebrated and intend to celebrate Kupalle. It makes me happy to see how we preserve our culture and history, no matter where we are”.
