Vertep (Вертеп)

The term vertep pertains to ritual processions visiting the households along a determined route during Christmas Holidays, performing a drama play dedicated to birth of Jesus Christ. The participants are mostly children wearing masks and walking in procession from one house to another, carrying a model of a church (vertep) and performing a play on birth of Jesus Christ. During the procession, the participants recite the text that includes both spiritual-sacral and humorous-comedic parts, and at the end they are given presents by the hosts.

Vertep processions are part of Christmas rituals and societal celebrations in local communities in Srem area.