A man dressed in the traditional Malanka Bear costume poses for a picture in Krasnoilsk, Chernivtsi region, Ukraine, January 10, 2014. Malanka is a traditional holiday celebrated in Eastern Europe every year on January 14, New Year's day according to the Julian calendar. It is celebrated under different names in several countries, but in romanian village Krasnoilsk (located in Ukraine close to the border with Romania) this day turns into a mad carnival as locals dress up as fictional characters and walk through the streets singing traditional songs in an attempt to feel the bond with their ancestors. One young man told me: "This is the land of free people. We believe in our ancestors. When I am wearing a mask, I feel the power of my ancestors. When I die, I am gonna be a link in the chain. And once a year we will be waking up being someone". Preparations for Malanka begin well in advance. Village consists of 5 districts, and each one of them has its own Malanka, a team with all the characters. Everything begins with a feast rich with food and alcohol at commandant's house late on January 13, and kicks off from there. Malankas go through the village and show the traditional play that involves dancing and singing scenes, to every house. Everything ends with a march through Krasnoilsk's main street and mass dances of each team on the main square. The festival runs non-stop for almost 24 hours, while some costumes may weigh up to 50kg.