Kolyady is a bright folk festival, which is held in Lepel on Svaboda Square and is always crowded. This year, the weather was also favorable. The day before, there was still a thaw, wet snow was falling, it was damp and difficult, however, it froze a little at night, and in the morning a light breeze dispersed the dark clouds, and the sun peeked out. Along the perimeter of the central square of our city, Christmas houses of enterprises and institutions of Lepel were tastefully equipped, and their hospitable, festively dressed hostesses invited everyone who wished to come in and taste delicious Christmas dishes.
In the Kolyady groups, one could see the "goat", as this traditional folk ritual is impossible to imagine without it. There were also a miller, a musician, "gypsies", and other festive characters with their props. Considering that according to the Eastern calendar, 2012 is considered the year of the dragon, this fairy-tale character also found its place among the carolers.
Seven festive carts, harnessed by horses, gave rides to children and adults. Cheerful hubbub and joyful laughter were heard everywhere, as there was plenty to do and an interesting way to spend one's free time.
And from the improvised stage, songs of amateur performers could be heard, Christmas jokes were told, and cheerful music awakened the surroundings.
Time flew by unnoticed amidst the diverse Kolyady entertainment. Gradually, the bright, sparkling sun moved across the sky. However, people were in no hurry to leave.
The best participants of the festival were awarded. The awarding was conducted by the Deputy Chairman of the District Executive Committee, Nikolai Nikitin. The first-degree diploma was received by representatives of the milk and canned food plant, the second degree – by the state vocational lyceum. And the third-degree diploma went to the agricultural technical college. In addition, letters of appreciation were awarded to the electromechanical plant, the land reclamation systems enterprise, PMK-75, the bakery, ATP-14, the district hospital, the regional psychiatric hospital, ZAO "Vitebskagrop produkt", KUVSGP "Lepelskoe", the district consumer cooperative, military service, individual entrepreneur Pavel Fedkovich, and all three bank branches.