The Fort McMurray Ukrainian Cultural Society is set to celebrate Malanka this weekend.

You can enjoy lively and colourful Ukrainian dancers and performances as well as a bevvy of traditional cuisine as the group rings in Ukrainian New Years.

Member of the society, Lee-Anne Kumka tells Mix News through Malanka – local Ukrainian Canadians are able to reconnect with their heritage.

“These celebrations have helped make Fort McMurray home for us, so, it’s really a great opportunity for my kids, my family and I’ve even re-introduced my in-laws and my parents to some of the traditions that they remember.”

This year is also the 40th anniversary of Malanka celebrations in Fort McMurray.

Society member Greg Halinda says since coming to Fort McMurray in 1996, he’s grown a huge appreciation for his heritage.

“When I met a genuine Ukrainian from Ukraine, I was just full of questions. Especially with what they’ve been through over the past few years with the fall of Communism. So, it’s been a rediscovery which I’m certainly proud of and I just want to learn more.”

The celebration is typically held on January 13 – but because of the way the dates fall, the society decided to host it this weekend.

Malanka takes place Saturday at Shell Place with doors open at 5 p.m.