Kolodii 2026: where to celebrate Shrovetide in Kyiv and the outskirts of the capital

Kolodii, or Shrovetide, is one of the most colorful folk festivals, symbolizing the farewell to winter and the welcome of spring. In 2026, several large-scale celebrations with traditional rituals, music, and treats are planned in Kyiv and near the capital. Find out more about where to celebrate Maslenitsa in 2026 in Kyiv and near the city

Choose a tour in Ukraine for any taste

CHOOSE A TOUR

Maslenitsa, Syropust or Kolodii, is an ancient Ukrainian holiday associated with the farewell to winter and preparation for Lent. Traditionally, this period was accompanied by folk festivities, comic rituals, songs, and generous treats, including dumplings with cottage cheese.

In 2026, Shrovetide falls on February 16-22, and the main festive events in Kyiv and near the capital are scheduled for the weekend of February 21-22. On these days, ethnographic complexes and large venues in the capital will host themed festivals with the recreation of ancient traditions, master classes, and performances by folk groups.

In our previous article, we talked about the authentic Ukrainian traditions of Shrovetide, the rituals of each day, and the main holiday dish that has nothing to do with pancakes.

Shrovetide at VDNH

February 21-22, 2026; free admission

The final events of Winterland at VDNKh in 2026 will end with a large-scale celebration of Shrovetide. For two days, the Expocenter will host vesnianky and hayivky, folk rituals, dance workshops and performances by folk groups. The format of the festival combines entertainment with learning - guests will be able not only to relax but also to better understand the meaning of Ukrainian traditions.

For these days, VDNKh will be decorated as a large ethnic space with themed photo zones, straw installations and festive decor. The program includes the recreation of Maslenitsa customs: knitting a pad, symbolic farewell to winter and calling spring, as well as a comic rite of pad making, which adds authentic folk flavor to the event. Special attention will be paid to the gastronomic part: food courts will serve pancakes, dumplings and other traditional dishes with various fillings.

For those who want to learn more about the history of the holiday, a lecture by the Vytoky project will be held in the Book Space space, telling about the origin of Maslenitsa, traditional dishes, and ritual symbols. The ritual part of the celebration will be performed by singer and bandura player Bohdana Onopchuk. The final chord will be the ritual of burning the effigy of winter, a symbolic farewell to the cold season and welcome to spring.

Don't want to miss important updates and useful articles? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter!

Kolodii (Shrovetide) at Mamayeva Sloboda

February 21-22, 2026; entrance fee: 20 UAH, program: 300 UAH

In 2026, the celebration of Kolodii at the open-air museum Mamayeva Sloboda will be held in the format of an interactive lecture entitled “Maslenitsa will pass - you will have to fast”. Guests are invited not only to join the festivities, but also to dive deeper into the traditions and life of Ukrainians associated with the Shrovetide week. The event starts at 13:00.

Participants will learn about the role of dairy products in traditional cuisine, the origin of dumplings, and whether pancakes were cooked on Pancake Day. They will also discuss why Syropust was called “women's week,” what songs women used to sing in taverns, and how marriage and procreation were perceived in the past. They will also explain the symbolism of the wooden block, the ritual of blocking, and figure out which name for the holiday is considered more correct: "Maslenitsa, Syropust or Maslyana.

The format of the event includes live communication with guests, elements of rituals, and an introduction to the gastronomic traditions of Maslenitsa. The organizers promise an atmospheric immersion in folk culture that will help to take a fresh look at the meanings of one of the most colorful Ukrainian holidays.

Kolodiy in the Ukrainian Village

February 21-22, 2026; free admission

The Ukrainian Village Museum and Ethnographic Complex invites you to celebrate Kolodii together with the folklorists of the Yasno-Krasno band and famous ethnographers Natalka Leshchenko and Olenka Vydrych. The festive program starts at 13:00 and will take place in the open air on the territory of the complex. The guests will enjoy authentic singing, comic rituals, folk games and dancing together.

The celebration will include games on the lawn and the ritual of “swaddling the pad”, performing springtime songs and singing songs together. Folk games, dances and a playful “clinging to the pad” for unmarried participants are planned. The final element of the program will be the burning of a straw Kostrub, a traditional symbol of the end of winter.

Throughout the day, visitors will be offered to join folk crafts workshops, take tours of the museum and greenhouses (by appointment), buy handicrafts in the museum shop and visit the mini-zoo. Guests can also enjoy pancakes, dumplings, kulesh and hot drinks in the open air. If you wish, you can visit a restaurant serving Ukrainian cuisine or relax in the gazebo (by prior reservation).

Kolodii: Celebrating spring in Pereiaslav

February 21, 2026; adult ticket: 160 UAH, children's ticket: 80 UAH

The Pereiaslav National Historical and Ethnographic Reserve invites you to celebrate the arrival of spring at the Museum of Folk Architecture and Life of the Middle Dnipro Region. The Kolodii celebration here combines folk rituals, entertainment for the whole family, and the opportunity to get to know Ukrainian traditions. Guests will be able to learn more about the custom of “chirping a block”, join folk dances, choose a master class and taste traditional dumplings with sour cream.

The festival program includes performances by folklore and ethnographic groups, mass festivities and interactive entertainment for visitors. The “City of Masters” will be open with folk art products, and craftsmen will hold thematic master classes. A pillar with gifts will be prepared for the most skillful. Traditional dishes will also be available for purchase, and the event will culminate in the burning of a straw scarecrow, a symbolic farewell to everything negative and the winter season.

A separate part of the event will be charity activities from the NGO Team Unconquered, which will raise funds to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Plan your Kolodiya trip with Visit Ukraine!

If you want to combine Kolodii celebrations with a full-fledged trip around Ukraine, you should think about the route and format of your trip in advance. A convenient tour allows you to avoid wasting time on logistics, tickets, and planning - everything is thought out for you. Visit Ukraine helps you to choose interesting weekend tours and themed trips to Ukraine so that you can see new places, visit authentic locations, and spend a comfortable time without unnecessary worries.

We remind you! Ukraine has chosen its representative for the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest: the final of the national selection ended emotionally and loudly, presenting the audience with a new artist for the big European stage. The winner is already preparing for his performance in Vienna, where the jubilee Eurovision Song Contest will bring together millions of viewers from all over the world. Read more about who will represent Ukraine, with what song and when the main European music contest will take place.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

We recommend purchasing it for a safe and comfortable trip to Ukraine: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance – insurance covering military risks for entry and travel in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Car Insurance – car insurance with extended coverage in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Legal Advice – comprehensive legal support on entry to Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Tickets – bus and train tickets to/from Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Tours – the largest online database of tours to Ukraine for every taste;

Visit Ukraine Hotels – hotels for a comfortable stay in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Merch – patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.

© 2018-2026, Visit Ukraine. Use, copying or reprinting of materials on this site is permitted only with a link (hyperlink for online publications) to Visit Ukraine.

All rights reserved.