Today marks the 22nd year of Ukraine’s Independence from the Soviet Union. If you are in Ukraine, the celebrations have already started and many more are planned throughout the next few days. Stephen Harper issued a statement today, as well as the White House. Viktor Yanukovych called for Ukrainian unity.
For those celebrating in the next few days, here are some events happening:
Flavours of Ukraine
August 24
Toronto, ON
Celebrating Ukraine’s Independence Day with Kozak games, dance shows and live bands. Special performance with Marta Shpak from Ukraine, Zabava with "Hudi i Motsni" and "Zapovid" and Special guest performance "Nadia".
Ukrainian Independence Day
August 24
Parma, OH
The parade starts at 11 a.m. at Grantwood Drive and will proceed up State Road to St. Josaphat Ukrainian Catholic Church Cathedral, located in the heart of the city’sUkrainian Village. The 55 organizations scheduled to march is the most in the parade’s three-year history, with Ukrainian-American military veterans leading the way as grand marshals.
http://www.cleveland.com/parma/index.ssf/2013/08/parmas_ukrainian_village_will.html
4th annual Ukrainian Independence Day Celebration
August 24
Birmingham, AL
"This event is designed to not only reach out to our Ukrainian-American community, but also to those with an interest in the region," according to organizers.
The Ukraine Independence Day Celebration will be held next Saturday, August 24th at noon at Crestway Baptist Church, which is located at 6400 Crestway Boulevard in Birmingham.
Ukrainian Independence Day
August 24
Brandon, MB
The free event itself is set for Saturday, Aug. 24, at Dinsdale Park. The celebrations start at 4 p.m. with a concert of both traditional and contemporary music. The concert will be performed by UCA "Tryzub" members, who were able to practice for the event at the Ukrainian Reading Association Hall thanks to the Ukrainian Reading Association and the Catholic Ukranian-Canadian Men’s Club.
Following the concert, family and children activities will be offered from 5 to 7 p.m., including mini-soccer, a clown and face painting. There will also be food available for purchase, including smokies, muffins, cookies, cotton candy, ice cream and non-alcoholic beverages. Those who wish to can also donate to a children’s charity that will be chosen for the event by UCA "Tryzub."
Babas & Borshch Ukrainian Festival
August 24-25
Andrew, AB
This FREE Festival will honour and celebrate the very best of the Ukrainian culture–food, history, religion, arts and culture—through a fun, hip approach. Not Ukrainian? No problem. We’ll make it happen when you show up at the Passport Office to "assume" your Ukrainian name and identity.
Ukrainian Days Festival
August 24-25
Chicago, IL
Celebrate the Ukraine’s independence with the Ukrainian Days Festival Aug. 24 and 25 at Smith Park. Enjoy dance performances, live music, food vendors and activities for the kids. (2526 W. Grand Ave.)
http://chicagoist.com/2013/08/23/this_week_in_street_fests_taste_of.php
Ukrainian Folk Festival
August 25
Horsham, PA
Exciting, spectacular, dazzling, breathtaking, exhilarating, spirited, soulful, enchanting, captivating, and intriguing – modest words which describe but by no means capture the essence of Ukrainian folk art, music, and dance. From the rich color and deep symbolism of the delicate “pysanka†(Ukrainian Easter Egg) to the thunderous, climatic, power, rhythm and strength of “HOPAK†– the world’s most exciting ethnic dance, and every brilliant “Kolomiyka†(polka) and soulful folk song in between, we invite you to experience the TWENTIETH ANNUAL UKRAINIAN FOLK FESTIVAL, celebrating the anniversary of our ancestral homeland’s independence. Enjoy a festival stage show, a public dance, Ukrainian foods and baked goods, BBQ pit, kid’s fun area, and Ukrainian hospitality.
http://www.tryzub.org/ukrainian-festival-2013.php
http://www.montgomerynews.com/articles/2013/08/17/entertainment/doc520a69730ea81523902486.txt?viewmode=fullstory
Friends’ Ukrainian Music Festival
August 25
Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village, Alberta
Catch the musical magic at the Friends’ Ukrainian Music Festival featuring an array of the region’s finest Ukrainian folk musicians. This dynamic event encompasses an abundance of entertainment, exhibits, children’s activities, a village market, and delicious foods. Visit the Historic Village where you can enjoy wagon rides and chat with historic settlers as they go about their daily routines.
http://www.history.alberta.ca/ukrainianvillage/specialevents/docs/2013SpecialEventsbrochure.pdf
Ukrainian Day at Golden Gate Park
August 25
San Francisco, CA
Ukrainian Cultural Program for Commemorating of 20th Anniversary of
Independence of Ukraine
Ukrainian American Day
August 25
Buffalo, NY
Featuring delicious foods, music, basket raffle, dance performance, venders, cool beverages.
http://www.ukrainiansofbuffalo.com/
http://www.metrowny.com/features/703-Ukrainian-American_Festival_to_take_place_this_weekend.html
Independence Day Celebration
August 25
Edinburgh, UK
Join us at the Club for a BBQ to celebrate Ukrainian Independence Day.