Tour «Juraŭski Karahod» in the Pripyatsky National Park

Tour «Juraŭski Karahod» in the Pripyatsky National Park

Pripyatskiy National Park invites you to take part in the unique Polesie spring rite of Juraŭski Karahod, which has been held in Pogost village for many years on the day of St. George (Yuri).

Yuriev Day, or the day of St. George (Yuri), the patron saint of domestic animals and agriculture, is traditionally celebrated on May 6 (April 23, old style). Until some times, spring rite were performed in many villages in the vicinity of Turov. However, in living tradition the ritual was preserved only in the Pogost. And in 2019 it was introduced to the UNESCO Intangible Heritage List.

Locals prepare for the holiday in advance: they put things in order in houses and farmsteads, weave wreaths, but most importantly, they bake ritual loaf bread, which is called a «Karahod».

On St. George's Day itself, local residents in beautiful national costumes go out into the field and turn to the saint with a request for a good harvest. Then a piece of bread tied with a red ribbon is buried in the ground. After returning back to the village, the participant of the ceremony leads round dances in separate farmsteads, the owners of which thank their fellow villagers with festive treats for the wish «that it grows and bears fruit».

Don’t miss the opportunity to see the ancient ritual with your own eyes, book a trip to the Pripyatsky National Park.

Time: May 6, 2024.
Place: Gomel region, Zhitkovichi district, Pogost village.
Accommodation: Hotel complex Nad Pripyatyu.