On November 28, 2025, a cozy evening in folk traditions – St. Andrew’s Eves – took place in the Art Space of the SEI USUCT. The atmosphere was exactly as it is remembered from the stories of the elders: warm, sincere, filled with Ukrainian humor, ancient customs and good company.

The hosts did not just hold an event, they created a small journey into the past. The guests learned why St. Andrew’s Day was special for young people in different regions of Ukraine, how the eves were held, and why fortune-telling and fun tests were once considered almost the main event of winter.

The program of this evening included many activities that immediately set the mood. The competitions “Chobitok”, “Cossacks”, “Catch the Apple” caused laughter and excitement, and one of the most dynamic – “Strumochok” – became an occasion for jokes, improvisations and, as in the past in traditional evenings, an opportunity to find a “pair”.

A special part was the Kalita rite. The hosts told its history, recalled the symbolism of this custom, and then traditionally, with humor and good energy, everyone who wanted tried to bite off a piece of kalach, as Ukrainian young men did many generations ago. Without the help of hands, but with laughter and excitement – just as tradition dictates.

Another important component of the evenings is treats. In Artprostor, they also did not deviate from customs: guests were treated to vareniki, pampushki and other homemade delicacies, which created the feeling of a real family holiday.

The event turned out to be very warm, relaxed, and Ukrainian-style sincere. It was an evening where ancient traditions and modern youth met, and folk customs came to life not only in stories, but also in a shared mood, laughter, and tastes.