Cravoka, Celebration of Dancing

Celebration of Life

  The Cravoka is a celebration that has long since been etched into the collective memory of the Ruskev people and dates back to the Derugi Roveni, the founding Host of all Rovenis originate from. In those early days, life was hard for all, yet hope never waned for a better tomorrow that would begin with a night and a fire that barely kept everyone warm. While all sat in misery, thinking of their troubles, a small child, a wind glow upon their face and, to their wonder, felt a warm breeze with the scent of greenery that brought about the arrival of spring. The child sprang to their feet with a smile that shone as brightly as the sun and began to dance so wonderfully it brought warmth to all who witnessed it. This prompted the other children to join, and not long after, the adults danced as if there was no tomorrow. Not long after, the night came to a close, and the dawn rose to herald the arrival of spring, making the people dance even more and become grateful to be alive to see such beauty once more.   Dancing has long been engraved into the psyche of the Ruskev since then, and the Cravoka is at the heart of it all. From hardship comes comfort and hope with dancing that brings joy to all those that need it the most. It has become a tradiont that all Rovenis have come to honor and celebrate with the coming of spring. It is something that keeps getting better as every year passes by with those that are loved and cherished amongst the clans that make up the Roveni. So long as the Ruskev have a reason to dance there is nothing to worry about even when things may seem to be difficult, friends and family help lift the burden that come with life.

With the arrival of every spring, the Roveni camps come together for the age-old tradition of the Cravoka," The Dance of Memories," a mesmerizing spectacle of dance, music, and merrymaking. The celebration takes place in the center of the camp, raising a blazing bonfire that reaches the sky, revealing the area filled with vibrant fabrics, dazzling banners, and traditional Ruskev artwork. Dancers clad in embroidered clothing rushed through like that rising sun. Dancers perform synchronized routines to the lively beats of instruments, dancing to tales of love, renewal, and kinship. The opening ceremony is marked by the lighting of the ceremonial fire, symbolizing warmth, unity, and the return of abundance after the long winter. This led to the sudden rise of singing and instruments from all in attendance, symbolically representing the community.   As the festival unfolds, a wide array of dance performances showcases many dancing traditions of the Ruskev people. Each performance leaves spectators in awe, from fast-paced, acrobatic kicks to graceful, wind-like twirls that ignite a fire inside the soul. What more terrific way to show an appreciation for life than to dance recklessly. All the camp children form whimsical circles that intertwine, holding hands and spinning in unison, signifying life's cycle and its connection to all living things. Meanwhile, adults challenge each other in wild dance-offs, leaping and crouching to the crowd's applause, these magnificent sights and spontaneous dances come from camp members and guests alike as if their worries have faded. Foods made for the celebration come in great abundance, such as meats with herbal dipping sauces, steaming bowls of hearty broth, and sweet fruits topped with honey, returning the strength of all that feast on these delicacies.   As night falls, the celebration transforms into a magical procession lit by lanterns shaped like stars, animals, and legendary figures from Ruskev folklore. Musicians play haunting melodies as dancers dawn ghostly masks move in hypnotic unison, their shadows dancing along the walls of the tents to honor the dead that could not be here. As the fire begins to dwindle away with every passing hour, so does the energy that it brings to all near it as the end of the celebration draws near. The final dance is performed by elders who circle the ceremonial bonfire, their movements growing slower and more delicate as the flames dwindle to embers. The festival concludes with a shared toast of mead as the camp bid farewell to the winter and welcomed the arrival of spring's warm embrace. The thought of music and joy remains close to all who joined the festivities, a reminder of the power of dance to unite hearts and souls.

The entire Rovani participates in the celebration as one significant community event, and even visitors can join in.

It is done during the spring, when the last signs of winter have left the tundra, and life begins anew as the days become a bit easier after that from the celebration.