Ukrainians mark their 3rd midsummer of war with Ivana Kupala: Photos show folk dance, fire jumping, flower crowns

Hundreds of Ukrainians celebrated some of their oldest customs on Saturday, the longest day of the year, demonstrating cultural tenacity in a war-torn country.

Published on: Jun 22, 2025 3:32 PM IST

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Published on Jun 22, 2025 3:32 PM

People walk at the mid pole during Midsummer celebrations on the island of Gotland, Sweden, on June 20, 2025. The traditional festivities mark the summer solstice with flower crowns, dancing, and maypole raising across the country. (Photo by Jonathan NACKSTRAND / AFP) (AFP)

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Published on Jun 22, 2025 3:32 PM

The mid pole is decorated during Midsummer celebrations on the island of Gotland, Sweden, on June 20, 2025. (AFP)

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Published on Jun 22, 2025 3:32 PM

People perform a rite during a traditional midsummer celebration in Pyrohiv, Ukraine, outside of Kyiv, Saturday, June 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky) (AP)

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Published on Jun 22, 2025 3:32 PM

People dance in circle around a bonfire during a traditional midsummer celebration in Pyrohiv, Ukraine, outside of Kyiv, Saturday, June 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky) (AP)

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Published on Jun 22, 2025 3:32 PM

People jump over bonfire during a traditional midsummer celebration in Pyrohiv, Ukraine, outside of Kyiv, Saturday, June 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky) (AP)

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Published on Jun 22, 2025 3:32 PM

A young woman dressed in traditional Ukrainian clothing smilies during a traditional midsummer celebration in Pyrohiv, Ukraine, outside of Kyiv, Saturday, June 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky) (AP)

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Published on Jun 22, 2025 3:32 PM

People perform a fire rite during a traditional midsummer celebration in Pyrohiv, Ukraine, outside of Kyiv, Saturday, June 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky) (AP)

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Published on Jun 22, 2025 3:32 PM

Young women dressed in traditional Ukrainian clothing dance in circle during a traditional midsummer celebration in Pyrohiv, Ukraine, outside of Kyiv, Saturday, June 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky) (AP)

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Published on Jun 22, 2025 3:32 PM

People wearing traditional Ukrainian clothing dance in circle during a traditional midsummer celebration in Pyrohiv, Ukraine, outside of Kyiv, Saturday, June 21, 2025. (AP Photo/Efrem Lukatsky) (AP)