Koniki festival in David-Gorodok, Stolin District

For one day a year, on 13 January, the agrotown of Semezhevo in Kopyl District transforms into a veritable stage: it hosts not only a Christmas fair with tastings of local cuisine but also Kolyady Tsars (Kolyady Tsars), a unique rite steeped in rich history.

The rite is an element of intangible heritage of Belarus and has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. The history of the ritual dates back to the 18th century when units of the Tsarist army were stationed near Semezhevo. Legend has it that during the New Year celebrations, soldiers and officers would go from house to house, putting on a merry performance and receiving goods wishes and treats for that. The ritual involves young men and youths – the “Tsars” – who, moving along the village street, visit homes, enact the historical-religious drama “Tsar Maximilian” and share “medicine secrets” and well-being wishes with the hosts, wishing them health, fortune, and prosperity. The procession continues into the night, lit by torchlight.