On a beach in Odesa, people gathered around a bonfire and sang songs to raise money for the Marines

The Odessa-based folk band "Legit" held a concert on the city's inclusive beach to raise money for the 39th Separate Marine Brigade.

As noted by an Intenta correspondent who attended the concert, the event was part of the celebrations for the holiday of Ivan Kupala.

As "Legit" band member Olena Varlamova explained, her husband serves in the 39th Marine Brigade. Funds were raised for a ground-based robotic system for the brigade. This was the first concert of its kind held on the beach. In addition to Legit’s performance, workshops were held. 

The event concluded with a bonfire, a traditional part of the Ivan Kupala celebration. Ivan Kupala is one of the most mystical and ancient Slavic holidays, the date of which has changed over time depending on the church calendar. Today, it is associated with both the summer solstice and Christian tradition, which is why the holiday is celebrated on several different dates.  The summer solstice usually falls on June 20–21, and in 2026, it occurred on June 21.

However, the festival of Ivan Kupala has also been adapted to Christian tradition and is associated with John the Baptist. According to the new church calendar, the Nativity of John the Baptist is celebrated on June 24, and Ivan Kupala falls on the night of June 23–24.

Until 2024, the holiday, based on the Christian calendar, fell on the night of July 7, which was significantly further from the actual summer solstice. Following the reform of the church calendar in 2023, Ukrainians who follow the Gregorian calendar have been celebrating Ivan Kupala on the night of June 23–24 since 2024. Those who do not follow the Gregorian calendar celebrate it on July 7.

During the celebration of Ivan Kupala, people traditionally jump over a fire, which, according to legend, purifies them, and also float wreaths on the water. The wreath’s behavior was said to determine a girl’s fate: if it sank, the girl who released it would not get married. If the wreath floats well, the girl will get married; if it spins in place, she will remain single. If the wreath floats far away and lands on a shore, the girl will marry someone from that very place. 

Кирило Бойко