The centuries-old Christmas tradition of all-male carol singing—or Koliada—is helping a tight-knit mountain community in western Ukraine to grapple with grief and fear for loved ones at the frontline.

Kyiv

Russian forces have invaded Ukraine from land, air and sea with strikes causing widespread damage. Global leaders have condemned the move and imposed sanctions.

Ukraine Invasion

Ukrainian carol singers celebrate despite war

A centuries-old tradition in the Karpathian Mountains in western Ukraine. All-male carol singing, or kolyada. The ritual begins on Christmas Day in the village of Krivorivnya. It continues for 12 days. The carolers are a major attraction here. Much like everything in Ukraine, the ongoing war is taking a toll on this tradition as well. Many men from the region have joined the army and are on the front lines. It's now mainly old men and very young ones filling the ranks of the caroling groups. Like 18-year-old Rostislav. There aren't many men left who used to go carol singing with us. Some of them are missing, some of them are on the front line. Our group was much bigger before the war. Despite the festive spirits, the mood is somber among the tight-knit community this year. Ivan Selenchuk is one of the region's best-known kolyada singers. My soul is aching. Our men are on the front line. They ask us to keep on caroling because we are protecting them. But it's very, very painful because they are fighting and they could die at any moment. The front line is over a thousand kilometers away to the east. This region is better known for its ski resorts. Air raid alerts and Russian strikes are a rarity here. But the war doesn't feel so distant anymore. The neighboring town of Verkhovenia holds an official tribute to 19-year-old Vasyl Boychuk, killed on the front line. His remains are being brought home after nearly two years. The pain is unbearable for his family. Another Vasyl, a carol singer for 35 years. He gave it up when he joined the army two years ago and headed to the front line. He's back home for the holidays. The former philologist says kolyada, or caroling, is a powerful tool in these tough times. This is a unique pillar of musical culture and poetry. It's great because it comes from the soul. Somebody once said kolyada is a traditional utsul prayer. Prayer strengthens the human spirit. And that's what kolyada does as well. Strength is what everyone needs as the carol singers visit homes, almost each one grappling with grief. Maria's son Vasyl has been missing on the front lines. He was a caroler himself. She believes he's still alive. He went caroling for 16 years. He loved it very much, and he prepared for it. I hope that he will sing carols again. We believe, we hope, and we're waiting for him. The singing continues over dinner. The fervent, unspoken prayer on everyone's lips is for the gruelling war to end.

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Ukraine Invasion