Koleda
Cultural Traditions
Koleda - A Slavic Tradition

The tradition of strolling, singing, and having fun on Christmas Eve is woven into the observance of Christmas in Slavic communities.

Cultural Origins

Koleda (or Koleida) is celebrated with a season of winter rituals stemming from the ancient Calendae. One example of the Koleda season is the Kalenda proclamation, which is a chant sung before the Christmas Midnight Mass.

Koleda also specifically refers to children and teens who walk house to house greeting people, singing and sifting grain. They give best wishes to their neighbors and receive sweets and small amounts of money in return.  Bonfires, music, and dancing are also typical in Koleda observations in Macedonian regions of Greece.