As part of the educational project "Ethno-Toloka: Unity in Traditions," an event called "The Lark Will Sing, Spring Will Come" was held, during which participants recreated the ancient tradition of ritual baking in the form of larks.
Residents of the Vuhledar urban community and the Khlibodarivska rural community joined the initiative. Participants baked ritual larks, trying to recreate traditional recipes and shapes that were common in the Donetsk region.
Such practices are an important part of the "Ethno-Toloka" project, as its goal is to research, preserve, and promote elements of the region's intangible cultural heritage. Through joint participation in traditional rituals and crafts, communities are reviving customs that have been passed down from generation to generation.
According to the recollections of elders, ritual cookies in the shape of birds were made from yeast dough. They were often baked together with bread, and the cooking process became a joint family affair. The finished "larks" were often given to children, who raised them up and sang spring songs, calling for warmth and the arrival of spring.
Today, by reviving these traditions, communities not only remember ancient customs, but also pass them on to the younger generation, strengthening the cultural identity of Donetsk region.
The campaign is ongoing, and anyone who wishes to can join the initiative by sharing photos and stories of family traditions. Together, we preserve what is ours — because that is where our strength lies.
Based on materials from the Vuhledar City Military Administration