Laughter in the Heart of Odessa: Celebrating April Fool's Day
On April 1st in Odessa, the city celebrated April Fool's Day with a captivating performance by the 'Masks' theater in the city garden.
This is reported by a correspondent from Ukrinform.
The performers entertained the audience with songs, dances, and poetry recitations. A humorous quiz was also held, where tickets for the theater's shows were raffled off.
«We live in a world of contrasts... When negativity prevails, the need for joy increases. We know how to make people happy. I see the transformation in people's faces before and after our performances - they are completely different individuals. Audience members often approach me, saying that thanks to us, they smiled for the first time in years. A people that remembers how to laugh cannot be defeated,» said Boris Barsky, the director of the 'Masks' theater.
Theater actor Alexander Postolenko noted that the need for laughter is always present among the residents of Odessa, especially during wartime.
«Everyone needs a distraction. Of course, we must not forget that there is a war. We need to help. It is impossible to prohibit love, the birth of children, and laughter. Laughter is one of the aspects of our lives,» the artist stated.
Since the 1970s, April 1st has traditionally been celebrated as Humorina in Odessa, founded by the creative team of the local KVN group 'Businessmen'. Initially, celebrations included parades, movie screenings, and various contests. In 1976, the festival was banned, but it was revived in the late 1980s.
In 2014, Humorina was canceled due to the difficult situation in the country, but in 2017, thousands of residents marched through the streets wearing clown wigs. During the pandemic in 2020-2021, the event was held online.
Despite the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, Odessa residents held Humorina-Javlina, with a charity online marathon to support the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
In 2023, for the 50th anniversary of Humorina, the 'Masks' theater actors and the National Guard orchestra congratulated the residents. In 2024, the 'Masks' organized an 'economy version' of Humorina in the city garden.
