On 21 May, the IvAlive Educational Development Center was filled with a truly special atmosphere: colourful vyshyvankas, warm smiles, Ukrainian music, and a feeling of home that brought everyone together. Our space came alive with a fair of Ukrainian products, where guests could find jewellery, souvenirs, clothing, and handmade items created with love for Ukrainian culture.
Traditional Ukrainian food also played an important part in the celebration. Homemade varenyky, prepared with care and warmth, brought a feeling of comfort and reminded many guests of home.
For children, we organised a creative workshop where they made Ukrainian-style keychains. Adults joined an engaging lecture by Vera Ostashchuk about the symbolism of Ukrainian embroidery. Participants learned about traditional techniques and ornaments, as well as stories of meaning behind traditional clothing and special symbols in embroidery connected with love and relationships. One of the most interesting topics was how people in the past could recognise a girl’s background and social status through details of her clothing.
Thank you to everyone who spent this day with us and helped create a meaningful celebration of Ukrainian culture, unity, and connection to our roots.
Photos and videos — follow the link.
