Hundreds mark Vyshyvanka Day at the Forks
On May 11, the Forks turned a little Ukrainian, as hundreds marked Vyshyvanka Day with music, sweets and souvenirs. The celebration was highlighted by artists using chalk to create a Ukrainian vyshyvanka pattern on the sidewalk.
'It employs three classic colours — red, white, and black,' organizer Mila Shykota said. 'White is for wisdom, red is for love, and black is for sadness.'
Held every May, Vyshyvanka Day celebrates the traditions of Ukrainian clothing. Some credit its origins to university student Lesya Voronyuk, who in 2006 encouraged her classmates to wear an embroidered shirt, or 'vyshyvanka'. In two decades, Vyshyvanka Day has spread to more than 70 countries.
Photo by Tony Zerucha
Hundreds celebrated Vyshyvanka Day at the Forks on May 11. The celebration was highlighted by artists using chalk to create a Ukrainian vyshyvanka pattern on the sidewalk.
'Vyshyvanka Day is a significant holiday for Ukrainians,' Shykota said. 'All Ukrainians and those who support Ukraine around the world wear embroidered shirts and host significant events.'
Shykota thanked Winnipeggers and Manitobans for warmly embracing the many thousands of Ukrainians who have come to Manitoba. Winnipeg and Lviv are sister cities, and the region has a strong Ukrainian presence dating back generations.
'It is the Ukrainian capital of Canada,' Shykota said. 'It is only natural that Winnipeg is the first city in Canada with a Ukrainian Vyshyvanka Boulevard.'
Shykota thanked the Forks for allowing her to host the event and the City of Winnipeg Public Works Department for organizing the venue. Freshco Pembina Highway provided treats for the kids.
'Much of the Ukrainian community gathered,' Shykota said. 'They sang Ukrainian songs, took pictures and talked. I'm excited and so glad that a lot of Ukrainians came together.'
In August, Shykota, her husband and daughter will mark three years in Winnipeg. They both have good jobs, and their daughter is enrolled in French immersion. One year ago, they bought a house. They have permanent residency.
This is their second time in Winnipeg. Shykota's husband studied at the University of Manitoba almost a decade ago, and she joined him here before they returned to Ukraine.
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'We have a good life in Winnipeg,' she said. 'We were initially scared to start a new life in a different country and a different language.'
Their parents remain in Ukraine, so the war is never far away. Shykota's daily calls to friends and relatives revolve around who has recently fled to a shelter.
'Every single day, Russia bombs and attacks Ukrainian cities,' she said. 'They say they only attack military targets, but it is not true. They attack hospitals, children's play yards, and civilian objects.
'Everyone in Ukraine is focused on helping the Armed Forces and civilians raise money. We're constantly donating to organizations.'
Vyshyvanka Day celebrations also had a practical component, as Shykota and her team sold puzzle pieces for $5 each. Proceeds were used to buy a reconnaissance drone for a regiment fighting the Russians near Kharkiv. Donations can be e-transferred to Shykota at mila655@gmail.com
Tony ZeruchaEast Kildonan community correspondent
Tony Zerucha is a community correspondent for East Kildonan. Email him at tzerucha@gmail.com
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