Initially a pagan ritual of purification and welcoming the spring, the tradition is now part of a Greek Catholic and Orthodox Easter celebration and symbolizes cleansing of sins, Ukraine Today reports.

Playful fights are staged in the city streets, with boys and men armed with bottles and buckets of water, chasing after girls and splashing them from head to toe.

Locals, as well as tourists seem to enjoy the party and tend to engage in traditional activities of the holiday followers.

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