The Festival of Hitchhiking “Ukrainian Elbe 2012”

Everyone who likes to hitchhike, who is not afraid of frost and snow, are welcome to the Ukrainian Festival of Hitchhiking “Elbe.” It’s the festival for strong and hardy people, which will take place regardless of the weather.

Thrice a year, travelers from Ukraine and abroad, coming on foot or by hitchhiking, meet in the forest near Novomoskovsk in Dnepropetrovsk region (Ukraine) to share exciting stories about their trips and adventures, to find a fellow-travelers and friends, and just to have fun.

The history of the festival began in spring 2004. Since then, the festival is held every spring, autumn and winter. The festival was named after the meeting of allies at the River Elbe during the World War II. The choice of the place where the festival is held is of significance as well. The forest is really picturesque and moreover you can always find there firewood and streams. Traditionally, every night, the participants gather around a fire to play guitar and sing songs, arrange Banya (Russian/Ukrainian sauna) and compete in cooking of plov (traditional dish). It’s prohibited here to fight and to talk about politics. Also, the festival is often attended by sport tourists, cyclers, fans of jogging, and just those who lead a healthy life-style.

When getting ready for such festival, prepare in advance the necessary equipment which you might need in the forest, navigation instruments, and of course food.

The nearest Ukrainian Elbe takes place on January 27/29, 2012.