Are there any special events planned for Ukraine's Independence Day?
Calgary is one of the leading centers of the Ukrainian diaspora in North America, where Ukrainian Independence Day is celebrated with great fanfare and deep historical significance. August 24, the day Ukraine declared its independence in 1991, is a central holiday for the entire Ukrainian community of over 50,000 people.
Ukrainian Day in the Park: The Main Independence Celebration
The largest and most significant event for Ukraine's Independence Day in Calgary is traditionally held as part of the Ukrainian Day in the Park project, organized by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress - Calgary Branch. In 2025, this holiday will take place on August 23 at Ukrainian Pioneer Park, located at 7th Avenue and 6th Street NE, next to the Ukrainian Catholic Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
The concert begins at 4:00 p.m. and lasts until late in the evening, with free admission for all. Organizers emphasize that this is a “rain or shine” event, so visitors are advised to dress according to the weather forecast and bring folding chairs or blankets for a comfortable outdoor experience.
Program and content of the event
The heart of the celebration is the main stage, where local Ukrainian soloists, choirs, and dance ensembles perform for four hours. According to the results of the 2024 event, over 3,500 visitors enjoyed vibrant performances, including a concert by the famous Ukrainian band TNMK, which attracted a large crowd and received thunderous applause.
The food fair offers visitors delicious Ukrainian dishes, from pierogi to borscht, satisfying a wide variety of tastes. Over 15 vendors showcase unique crafts, clothing, and souvenirs, allowing visitors to take a piece of Ukrainian culture home with them.
The children's pavilion is a center of excitement with games, workshops, and activities designed specifically to entertain and engage younger visitors. A specially created photo zone provides a picturesque backdrop for families and friends to capture memories of the day. Popular beer gardens serving Ukrainian beer become a favorite hangout spot for visitors.
Community Pavilion and Information Support
The Community Pavilion serves as a gathering space for families and friends, encouraging connections and conversation. It also hosts booths from local Ukrainian organizations, where visitors can learn more about the Ukrainian community in Calgary and ways to support Ukraine. This creates a unique opportunity for newcomers to get to know the local community and find ways to get involved in cultural life.
Government and official events: Flag-raising ceremony
In addition to the community celebration, the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Calgary Branch organizes official events with the support of municipal and provincial authorities. In 2024, a Ukrainian flag-raising ceremony was held at Municipal Plaza with the participation of Calgary Mayor Jyoti Gondek and City Councillor Terry Wong.
The ceremony was attended by numerous dignitaries, including Members of Parliament George Chahal, Pat Kelly, and Ron Liepert, as well as MLA Ric McIver. A particularly symbolic moment was the presentation of the “Rushnyk Peremohy” (Victory Towel) — a cloth embroidered in Ukraine and by members of the Calgary Ukrainian community, blessed by Father Roman Planchak, which was presented to the mayor and the city of Calgary as a symbol of the Ukrainian community's gratitude for their continued solidarity.
Musical accompaniment for official events
The ceremonies are traditionally accompanied by performances by local Ukrainian artists. In 2024, the anthem was performed by Lyudmila Rukavitsyna-Hit, and the choir “Pereveslo” conducted by Kateryna Saxon performed accompanied by pianist Ivan Kharlamov. The talented Anastasia Haiduchenko served as the emcee.
Role of Ukrainian churches and religious organizations
The Ukrainian Orthodox and Catholic churches in Calgary play a central role in organizing Independence Day events. St. Vladimir's Ukrainian Orthodox Sobor and St. Stephen Protomartyr Ukrainian Catholic Church regularly hold special services dedicated to this date.
St. Vladimir's Ukrainian Orthodox Sobor, located at 404 Meredith Road NE, also serves as a cultural center for various events. The church has a long tradition of organizing patriotic and cultural programs, including choir concerts, exhibitions, and educational activities for children and youth.
Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Ukrainian Catholic Church, located next to Ukrainian Pioneers Park, provides its facilities for preparatory events and serves as an important coordination center for community activities.
Cultural programs and performances
Choirs and musical ensembles
The Calgary Pereveslo Ukrainian Choir, founded under the direction of Kateryna Saxon, regularly participates in Independence Day celebrations. The choir was founded at the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine with the aim of supporting Ukrainian culture in Canadian society and raising funds for charitable causes.
The Korinnya Ukrainian Folk Ensemble, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary, also actively participates in the celebrations. The group's repertoire consists mainly of folk songs that reflect the deep roots of Ukrainian musical tradition.
Dance groups
Calgary's leading dance schools, including the Tryzub Ukrainian Dance Society, Barvinok Ukrainian Dance Society, and Vykrutas Ukrainian Dance Society, traditionally participate in Independence Day celebrations. These organizations not only showcase the diverse regional styles of Ukrainian folk dance, but also engage young dancers in the preservation of their cultural heritage.
Support for Newly Arrived Ukrainians
Independence Day events in Calgary have taken on special significance since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The Ukrainian community in Calgary actively supports newly arrived Ukrainians through various initiatives integrated into the celebrations.
St. Vladimir's Ukrainian Orthodox Sobor has organized a social support network for Ukrainian evacuees, which includes free English language courses with volunteers, conversation clubs, and general advice about life in Calgary. These programs are often integrated into Independence Day celebrations, creating opportunities for newcomers to get to know the community.
Historical context and evolution of celebrations
The celebration of Ukrainian Independence Day in Calgary has deep historical roots dating back to the early 1990s, when Ukraine first declared its independence. Over more than three decades, these celebrations have evolved from small community gatherings to large-scale festivals that attract thousands of participants not only from the Ukrainian community but also from the wider Calgary community.
In 2024, the celebration of Ukraine's 33rd anniversary of independence took on special significance due to the ongoing war in Ukraine. Organizers emphasized the importance of preserving cultural identity and demonstrating solidarity with Ukraine during these challenging times.
Media coverage and public support
Ukraine's Independence Day celebrations in Calgary are regularly covered by local media, including CTV Calgary, the Calgary Herald, and CityTV Calgary. This media coverage helps raise awareness of Ukrainian culture and the current situation in Ukraine among the wider community.
In 2022, Global News reported on the special significance of the celebrations in Calgary, given that Independence Day events in Ukraine itself were banned in Kyiv and Kharkiv due to the threat of Russian missile strikes. This highlighted the role of the diaspora in preserving traditions and supporting national spirit in difficult times.
Volunteer opportunities and community involvement
The organization of Independence Day events in Calgary relies on a large network of volunteers from various Ukrainian organizations in the city. The Ukrainian Canadian Congress Calgary Branch coordinates the work of numerous volunteers who help with logistics, security, food, and entertainment.
Volunteer opportunities include helping with stage and sound equipment, coordinating vendors and food sellers, organizing children's activities, and general event support. Many volunteers are members of local Ukrainian organizations, including CYM Calgary (Ukrainian Youth Association), Plast Calgary, and various church communities.
Funding and sponsorship
The Calgary Independence Day celebration is funded through a combination of public donations, sponsorship from local businesses, and grants from various organizations. In 2023, organizers expressed special gratitude to the sponsors who supported the event, emphasizing the importance of community support for continuing the tradition.
A portion of the funds raised during the event is traditionally directed toward supporting Ukraine and assisting Ukrainian refugees. This makes the celebration not only a cultural event, but also an important charitable initiative.
International context and ties to the diaspora
The Independence Day celebrations in Calgary are part of a global network of similar events organized by Ukrainian communities around the world. The Ukrainian World Congress coordinates some of these initiatives, facilitating the exchange of experiences and resources between different diaspora communities.
Calgary organizers maintain ties with Ukrainian communities in other Canadian cities, including Toronto, Edmonton, and Winnipeg, exchanging ideas for programs and inviting artists to perform. This creates a sense of unity among the Ukrainian diaspora across Canada.
Educational initiatives and cultural enrichment
Independence Day events in Calgary serve not only as celebrations but also as important educational opportunities. Organizers often include information booths about Ukrainian history, the current situation in the country, and the Ukrainian diaspora's contribution to Canada's development.
Children's programs include educational elements such as workshops on traditional Ukrainian crafts, folk dance lessons, and stories about Ukrainian history and culture. This helps the younger generation maintain a connection to their cultural heritage and understand the importance of preserving traditions.
Challenges and adaptations
Event organizers face various challenges, including weather conditions (as most events are held outdoors), logistical difficulties, and the need to engage younger generations in cultural events.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, organizers have had to adapt event formats, including hybrid models with online components. While most events have returned to an in-person format, some elements of digital technology have remained to expand the audience and ensure accessibility.
Future prospects and development
The Ukrainian Canadian Congress Calgary Branch is constantly working to improve and expand its Independence Day events. Future plans include engaging more local non-Ukrainian communities, expanding educational programs, and improving the infrastructure for hosting events.
Special attention is being paid to involving youth in the organization and participation of events. Youth organizations such as CYM Calgary are playing an increasingly important role in planning and implementing programs, ensuring the continuity of traditions for future generations.
The celebration of Ukrainian Independence Day in Calgary is a shining example of how a diaspora community can preserve and promote its cultural heritage while adapting to the Canadian context and responding to contemporary challenges. These events not only strengthen the internal ties of the Ukrainian community, but also promote a better understanding of Ukrainian culture among the broader Calgary community, building bridges between cultures and generations.