Christmastide tsars in Semezhava (photo report)
The unique Belarusian Slutsk rite is on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists.
Every Malanka (January 13) young men turn into real “tsars”. They visit villagers’ houses and perform the drama Tsar Maximilian. Local folklore characters also take part in the festivities – Dzed and Baba.
The hosts are traditionally greeted and they give presents to the participants of the rite. The tsars lit torches at dusk which makes the event really spectacular.
