Ivan Kupala: a magical night of fire, water, and love — how it is celebrated in Ukraine and around the world

On the night when water and fire merge into one, and nature is filled with a special power, Ukrainians celebrate Ivan Kupala. This is one of the most poetic holidays of summer, with roots in pre-Christian times. Learn how this ancient Slavic holiday is celebrated in Ukraine and what traditions have survived to this day

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The holiday of Ivan Kupala is one of the most mysterious and poetic in Slavic tradition. It symbolizes the fusion of natural elements, purification, youth, love, and magic.

Previously, the holiday was celebrated on the night of July 6-7, but now Ukrainians celebrate it on the night of June 23-24. The roots of this day go deeper — to the pre-Christian era, when people worshipped the forces of nature, celebrated the summer solstice, and believed in the power of rituals.

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What is this holiday and where did it come from?

Ivan Kupala has pagan origins and was originally timed to coincide with the summer solstice — the longest day of the year, when, according to beliefs, nature reaches its peak and the boundary between the worlds of humans and spirits is blurred.

After the adoption of Christianity, the holiday was combined with the birthday of John the Baptist (July 7 according to the new calendar), and it was given a new name — Ivan Kupala (from the name John + the Old Slavic word “kupaty”).

Traditions and rituals of Ivan Kupala in Ukraine

Kupala Night has always been considered magical. Its main symbols are fire, water, flowers, and herbs, which were believed to have cleansing and magical powers.

Weaving wreaths

Girls wove wreaths from wildflowers and herbs — this was not only a decorative element, but a real “test of fate.” In the evening, the wreaths were placed on the water: if the wreath floated, the fate would be good; if it sank, one should beware of trouble. Often, boys would dive for the wreaths of girls they liked.

Jumping over the fire

Boys and girls jumped over bonfires — fire was considered purifying. Lovers jumped while holding hands: if they did not let go, the couple would stay together.

Searching for the fern flower

This mythical element is one of the most famous. According to legend, on the night of Ivan Kupala, a magical fern blooms for a moment, bringing happiness and revealing hidden knowledge. It was sought mainly by young men — sometimes alone, sometimes in pairs with a girl.

Purification with water

Bathing in a river or even just pouring water over oneself was considered healing and essential for cleansing the soul and body.

Singing and dancing

The night was accompanied by folk songs, round dances, games, fortune-telling, and merriment until dawn.

Similar holidays in other countries

Celebrating the longest day of the year is not only a Ukrainian tradition. Many European countries have also preserved or revived similar rituals, often with pagan roots.

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Sweden — Midsummer

One of the most important holidays in the Swedish calendar. On the Friday closest to the solstice, Swedes erect a “Maypole” (majstång), decorate it with greenery and flowers, dance in circles, sing, celebrate with family and friends, and feast on herring, potatoes, and strawberries. It is a symbol of fertility and unity with nature.

Finland — Juhannus

The Finns also celebrate during the “white nights,” especially in the northern regions where the sun does not set. The main traditions are lighting bonfires, saunas, swimming in lakes, and night picnics. On this day, the spirits of nature are also honored.

Great Britain — Stonehenge and the summer solstice

At the ancient megalithic complex of Stonehenge, Druids, neo-pagans, and tourists gather to meet the first rays of the sun as they pass between the stone blocks. The celebration is accompanied by music, dancing, and ritual ceremonies.

Latvia and Lithuania — Jāņi and Jānis

These holidays are similar to the Ukrainian holiday of Ivan Kupala. People gather medicinal herbs, weave wreaths from oak leaves, light bonfires, sing, jump over fires, and throw “fire rings” into the water.

Spain — San Juan

The feast of St. John the Baptist (June 23–24) in Spain has many pagan motifs. Jumping over bonfires on the beach, swimming in the sea at midnight, fireworks, music — all for purification and “washing away” misfortunes. In some regions, old things are also burned as a symbol of farewell to the past.

Why is Ivan Kupala worth celebrating?

Ivan Kupala is not just a beautiful tradition. It is a reminder of harmony with nature, the power of the elements, faith in the best, the search for inner purity and love. It is a night when it is permissible to dream, play, tell fortunes, and believe in magic.

And even if you are not near a river, without ferns and bonfires, just go out into nature, remember your desires, and allow yourself to be a little closer to legends for at least one night.

If you don't know where to celebrate Kupala Night this year, check out the tours offered by Visit Ukraine. We have a selection of proven routes to authentic locations: from the picturesque banks of the Desna River to the mysterious Kupala festivals in the Carpathians. Just choose your format and celebrate with meaning!

Reminder! Kyiv is a city that captivates at first sight and leaves a lasting impression on your heart. Its streets, temples, legends and atmosphere are only truly revealed when you see it from the inside. A selection of the most interesting tours in Kyiv and routes that everyone should take — follow the link.

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