This year, the folklore and culinary ensemble “Staіskiya Prysmaki” is nominated for the title of People's Ensemble. So, what makes it special?
This year, the folklore and culinary ensemble “Staіskiya Prysmaki” is nominated for the title of People's Ensemble. So, what makes it special?
The association was formed about fifteen years ago at the Staі Village House of Culture. The hospitable residents of Staі, preparing for one cultural event or another in the village, would cook, fry, bake, and brew, placing everything the household had to offer on a common table. They tried to outdo each other, and during friendly competition, united by a common cause, they became friends. Initially, they provided provisions for the local ensemble “Spadchyna” during their various rituals, and then decided to form an independent group.
The first leader was librarian Alena Patsela. Then, the baton was taken over by the head of the Staі Village House of Culture, Larisa Parfianovich. By that time, the ensemble had grown to about twelve people. The first exhibitions of culinary dishes and trips to fairgrounds in the district and region began. The most interesting exhibition was “Vialikdzen” (Easter). The hosts and guests baked kulesh, which, alongside red eggs, became the basis of a rich Easter table. At the same time, in Staі, the group members masterfully performed the ritual “Valachobniki,” thus announcing themselves not only as talented cooks but also as performers of authentic folklore.
The residents of the region first heard about Staі cuisine in Liozna, at the folklore festival “Sviata u Mayontku Stragany,” dedicated to the famous folklorist Mr. Rypinski. They not only heard but also tasted the Staі delicacies with pleasure. There, the ensemble became a laureate. Subsequently, the Staі cooks were repeatedly seen at “Slavianski Bazaar.”
Today, "Stayskіe prysmakі" (Stai Delicacies) is a recognised, authoritative ensemble of Belarusian cuisine and performance masters. It is headed by Maryna Kolas. Fifteen people of various ages – including young "hostesses" who are minors, and the eldest, Halina Rygorawna Tukhta, who is eighty – organise folklore expeditions, seeking, so to speak, exotic culinary recipes. However, there is one dish that represents the pinnacle of the Stai culinary masters' skill – klyotski (dumplings). It is no coincidence that a cast-iron pot with klyotski is depicted on the club's emblem. It should be noted that this is symbolic, as klyotski are considered a culinary invention exclusively of the inhabitants of Lepel region and, in this context, aspire to obtain the status of cultural heritage in Belarus, and perhaps even in UNESCO. Our klyotski were praised by the French and Germans, as the visit to Stai was included in the tourist "green route" around Lepel region. They are known in Russia and, of course, in various regions of our country, thanks to the efforts of Lepel enthusiasts who have made klyotski so famous. In Stai, several varieties of this dish are known: for example, klyotski can be served with juicy and fragrant meat "souls", or they can be "soulless", small. It is these that the Stai chefs present at the folklore festival "Vyanok Pridzwіnnya" (Wreath of the Dvina) in Orsha.
Guests cannot be entertained with klyotski alone. In Stai, they have also learned to prepare other, no less delicious dishes. Here, they present kulichi (Easter bread) and pies, zrazy (meat patties), and "finger-stuffed" sausage, polіўka (soup), various homemade wines, and even... samogon (moonshine). Where would one be without the first shot with such a rich spread of appetizers!
At the origins of the popularisation of Stai cuisine and local folklore stood Halina Tukhta, Volha Bykawa, who, unfortunately, passed away not long ago, as well as culinary ethnographer Maryia Kalіtukha.
This year, the ensemble became a laureate and received a Diploma of Winner at the regional culinary and performance programme held among groups of a similar profile. It also cooperates closely with the local branch of the school of arts, particularly with the Honoured Folklore Dance Ensemble "Sunіchkі" (Strawberries). Furthermore, "Stayskіe prysmakі" hosted Ihar Danіlaw, the editor-in-chief of the republican newspaper "Gastronom", after which a publication about the ensemble appeared in the newspaper. It is to be expected that the culinary folklorists from Stai will meet the new challenge – obtaining the title of "People's Ensemble" – with dignity.
Uladzіmir MІKHNO.
In the photo: a Stai table laden with delicacies.
