There are plenty of reasons to visit Jasper, Alberta, in January. Malanka is one of them. It’s a festive weekend gala that celebrates the Ukrainian culture and is about experiencing all of the Ukrainian Christmas traditions in one weekend. I was there last January when I stumbled upon it.
I was staying at the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge when my friends and I noticed a group of young adults dressed in elaborate costumes. They were handing out fliers about their upcoming performances. I took one and realized that the group was Ukrainian.
Coincidentally, my last name, Sekula, is Ukrainian. But, sadly, that’s about all I know about my family heritage. So when I stepped foot inside the ballroom and was welcomed by these strangers, I was overjoyed.
Watching their skillful dance moves, their leaps and twirls was simply mesmerizing. In fact, it was a full blown dance party until the wee hours. Although I only had the chance to stay for about 20 minutes, if I could have, I would have stayed all night.
However, I had a lot planned for the next day when I would head to the Jasper in January events held nearby. (This year’s festival, Jan. 17 – Feb. 2 marks the 25th anniversary of the event). It’s two full weeks of packed events, including a kick-off party, street festival, fireworks, Mountain Park Lodges’ chili cook-off, dogsledding. Plus, there is live music and plenty of opportunities to hit the slopes up at Marmot Basin.
If you go:
Malanka is Jan. 10-12, 2014:
The Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge
www.fairmont.com/jasper
www.fairmont.com/jasper/special-offers/hotel-offers/
Jasper in January is Jan. 17 – Feb. 2:
www.jasper.travel
