The most mysterious summer holiday is Ivan Kupala: when in 2025, the main Russian rituals, events

Every summer, Russians celebrate one of the most mysterious and vibrant national holidays — Ivan Kupala. The celebration originates in ancient pagan rituals, which eventually intertwined with Christian traditions. It is believed that on this day nature reaches its heyday, and water and fire acquire special magical powers. That is why on the night of Ivan Kupala it is customary to burn bonfires, lead round dances, weave wreaths and conduct ablution rituals. According to legend, during this magical period, you can find a fern flower that blooms only once a year, bringing happiness and good luck. For more information about which ancient traditions of celebrating Ivan Kupala have survived to this day and how the national celebration will be celebrated in 2025, see the Izvestia article.

July 7 — what is the holiday of Ivan Kupala: a brief description

Ivan Kupala is an ancient Slavic holiday that was originally associated with the summer solstice and the worship of the natural elements: fire, water, air and earth. According to one version, the celebration was dedicated to the deity Kupala, the patron saint of warmth, sun and fertility. Although modern scientists believe that Kupala is more a symbolic image reflecting the main rituals of the holiday than a specific deity.

Photo: RIA Novosti/Ilya Pitalev

On this day, the Slavs performed purification rituals — they swam in rivers and lakes, jumped over bonfires, and wove wreaths of herbs and flowers, believing that water and fire could wash away diseases and protect them from evil spirits. Ivan Kupala also symbolized the transition from spring to summer, when the land becomes as fertile as possible. It was one of the key holidays associated with the preparation for the harvest and gratitude to the gods for the gifts of nature. In addition, in Slavic mythology, the night of Kupala was considered the time when the boundaries between the worlds become thinner, and evil spirits are released.

With the advent of Christianity in Russia, the church tried to adapt and rethink pagan holidays. Ivan Kupala Day was timed to coincide with the commemoration of John the Baptist (John the Baptist), which was celebrated on June 24 according to the Julian calendar, which corresponds to July 7 according to the Gregorian calendar. However, folk traditions turned out to be so strong that the holiday retained pagan elements, turning into a unique combination of Christianity and ancient beliefs.

From what date to what date is the feast of Ivan Kupala in 2025

The feast of Ivan Kupala is traditionally celebrated on the night of July 6-7 according to the Gregorian calendar. This date corresponds to June 24 according to the Julian calendar, which is used by the Russian Orthodox Church for religious holidays. It is on this day that services are held in Orthodox churches in honor of the Nativity of John the Baptist (John the Baptist), the holy prophet who predicted the coming of Jesus Christ and was the first to baptize him in the Jordan River.

Historically, the feast of Ivan Kupala is associated with the summer solstice, an astronomical event that took place on June 21 in 2025. On this date, the longest day of the year arrived. For the ancient Slavs, this was an important moment, symbolizing the flourishing of nature and the maximum power of the elements. In honor of this event, the Slavs performed various rituals of renewal and fertility.

Photo: RIA Novosti/Stringer

The night before Ivan Kupala is considered the most mystical: according to popular beliefs, at this time the gates between the worlds open and evil spirits — goblins, mermaids, water — go hunting. At the same time, it was believed that water becomes healing, and fire — purifying.

The most popular rituals in Russia on Ivan Kupala Day

On the night of July 6-7, large-scale festivities with rituals were held in Russia, each of which had a deep symbolic meaning and was aimed at protecting and attracting happiness. One of the most famous rituals was the weaving of wreaths of meadow grasses and flowers. The girls collected plants believed to have healing and magical powers, and wove wreaths from them — a symbol of maiden purity and destiny. In the evening, flower arrangements were launched on the water, having previously installed a candle in them. It was believed that if the wreath floats far away and the candle flame does not go out, it promises an early meeting with the betrothed and a happy fate.

In the evening, high bonfires were lit, round dances were performed, songs were sung and dances were performed. Jumping over fire was an obligatory ritual: it was believed that the one who jumps higher and more successfully will be happy and healthy all year round. For girls, this ceremony was a way to get rid of diseases and protect themselves from evil spirits and witches.

The water on Ivan Kupala was also of great importance. Bathing in rivers and lakes at dawn was considered healing and cleansing. According to legend, water on this day has life-giving power, is able to heal diseases and purify the soul. Therefore, on a holiday, it was customary to pour water over everyone who passes by the house.

Photo: RIA Novosti/Stringer

Collecting herbs was also important. On the night of Ivan Kupala, it was believed that all medicinal plants reach the peak of their power. Healers and healers collected wormwood, St. John's wort and nettle, from which they prepared medicinal decoctions. The ancestors believed that such drugs could cure any ailment.

A special place in the celebration was occupied by the legend of the fern flower, a plant that, according to legend, blooms exactly at midnight on Kupala. It was believed that whoever saw or plucked this flower would find happiness and abundance. In addition, in some regions there was a custom to cut down a Kupala tree — a young birch or other branching species, which was decorated with ribbons and flowers. It symbolized fertility and well-being. After the holiday, the tree was burned or thrown into the water.

The feast of Ivan Kupala was accompanied by songs, games and dances. Young people staged noisy festivities, as well as marriage ceremonies: boys and girls jumped over bonfires, holding hands to strengthen love and future marriage.

Ivan Kupala in Moscow and the Moscow region: events in 2025

In 2025, large-scale celebrations of Ivan Kupala will traditionally take place in Moscow and the Moscow region. A free family festival "Ivan Kupala Day" will be held in the capital on July 5 and 6 at the City Farm. The site is located in the VDNKh area, about 10-15 minutes on foot from the Botanic Garden metro station.

Photo: Global Look Press/Dmitry Chasovitin

The organizers of the event have prepared a rich program, including folk games and rituals, workshops on making wreaths, kupav dolls and amulets, lectures and performances about Kupala herbs, as well as themed games for children with the characters of the holiday - Kupala, Madder and Goblin. In the evening, everyone will be invited to the campfire for round dances and a quest to find the legendary fern flower. There will also be an eco-market with handicrafts and a fishing workshop area on the farm.

Another spectacular event will be the Ivan Kupala 2025 festival, which will be held from July 4-6 on the shores of Cornflower Lake in the Moscow Region, about an hour and a half drive from Moscow along the M-4 highway. Guests will be able to fully immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the national holiday: about 20 folklore groups will perform on two stages. ensembles and theaters to famous folk-rock bands and ethno-electronica. The program includes musical and theatrical performances, a night cinema, as well as a large—scale cultural and educational program with lectures and workshops on folk crafts, dances and songs.

The festival will also feature playgrounds with traditional games and amusements, craft workshops and a fair. Guests will be able to take part in ceremonies with bonfires, weaving wreaths and launching them on the water. All activities are included in the ticket price, which can be purchased on the official website of the festival.

Photo: RIA Novosti/Maxim Bogodvid

In addition, thematic excursions dedicated to the celebration of Ivan Kupala will be held in the Moscow region. For example, on July 5, it will be possible to go on a bus tour, including a visit to the ancient cities of Borovsk, Obninsk and Mozhaysk, where guests will enjoy folk festivals, rituals in nature and acquaintance with historical sights. The eco-hotel Novo-Okatovo also organizes folk games, a puppet theater, workshops on gingerbread painting and making ritual dolls. The entertainment program will culminate with a fire show and jumping over a campfire.