Ukrainian Independence Day in Calgary is celebrated every year on August 24 with large-scale events organized by the city's Ukrainian community. In recent years, these celebrations have become one of the largest Ukrainian cultural events in Canada, bringing together both long-established members of the diaspora and newly arrived Ukrainians.
Main organizers and structure of the Ukrainian community in Calgary
Ukrainian Canadian Congress – Calgary The Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC) – Calgary Branch is the main organizer of Independence Day events. This umbrella organization represents all Canadians of Ukrainian descent and coordinates the activities of numerous Ukrainian organizations in the city.
- Address: 409 9th Avenue Northeast
- Part of the Alberta Provincial Council (33 Canada-wide organizations and their branches)
Network of Ukrainian organizations
The Calgary Ukrainian community has over 30 active organizations, including:
Religious institutions
- Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary of the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church
- Church of St. Stephen the First Martyr
- Ukrainian Orthodox Church of St. Vladimir
Cultural and arts organizations
- Calgary Hopak Ensemble
- Dance groups: Barvinok, Trident, Mavka
- Choirs: Surma, Korinnya, Slava
Youth organizations
- Ukrainian Youth Association (CYM) Calgary
- PLAST Calgary
- Ukrainian Students' Association at the University of Calgary
Independence Day celebrations
“Ukrainian Day in the Park” – main event
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Date and location: August 24, Ukrainian Pioneer's Park
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2024: over 3,500 visitors
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Program:
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Four hours of performances on the main stage
Bus trips and individual tours to the Canadian Rockies! -
Food fair with traditional Ukrainian cuisine
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Children's entertainment and activities
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Booths of local Ukrainian organizations
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Photo zone for family pictures
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Beer garden with Ukrainian beer
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Location: corner of 7th Avenue and 6th Street NE, next to the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary
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Admission: free
Flag-raising ceremony
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Date and time: August 24 at 12:00 p.m., Municipal Plaza
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Participants: Mayor of Calgary, city council members, representatives of Ukrainian organizations
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2023 speakers:
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Mayor Jyoti Gondek
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Councillor Terry Wong
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President of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Dr. Danylo Musienko
Your trusted real estate agent in Calgary — Anna Hohol -
Iryna Moroz (organizer of the “Victory Towel” initiative)
Special events and concerts
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Summer 2022: Concert as a means of healing and unity during war
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Participants:
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Stefania Romaniuk (mezzo-soprano)
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Ukrainian choir “Pereveslo” (conductor Kateryna Saxon)
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Local Ukrainian musicians and dance groups
Historical evolution of celebrations
Pre-war period (until 2022)
- Chamber-style celebrations
- 2020: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many events were canceled or moved online
- August 23, 2020: “Unity Rally” – a motorcade from the Church of the Assumption to other Ukrainian churches
Period from 2022 – new importance
- After the start of the Russian invasion, the events took on great significance
- 2024: performance by the band TNМК on the main stage
Additional events throughout the year
Calgary Ukrainian Festival
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Date: Every June (2025: June 7–8)
Astropsychologist -
Location: Acadia Recreation Complex
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16th annual festival:
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Two stages: Kyiv and Lviv
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Ukrainian cuisine and crafts
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Children's area and photo zone
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Ukrainian market
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Beer garden with Ukrainian beer and vodka
Ukrainian-Canadian Heritage Day
- Date: September 7
- 2024: flag-raising ceremony at the McDougall Centre (attended by Alberta's Minister of Immigration and Multiculturalism)
Taras Shevchenko Memorial Concert
- Date: Every March (2024: March 10, Assumption Church)
- Participants: Local choirs, Calgary Bandura Players, Gerdan Choir from Ukraine
Events in Support of Ukraine
Humanitarian initiatives
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Ukrainians of Calgary Association (UOCA):
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$100,000 spent on medical supplies
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$150,000 in donations delivered
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Catholic churches:
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Fundraising through the Diocesan Fund
AM Goldsmith -
Collection of non-perishable food and clothing
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Organization of prayer services
Programs for newcomers
- Parish of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary:
- Summer camps for newly arrived children (“Ready for School,” “Fun Holidays”)
Participation of city authorities and the public
Support from the municipality
- Mayor Jyoti Gondek regularly participates in events
- The city council allows the Ukrainian flag to be flown on municipal buildings
Media coverage
- Channels: CTV News Calgary, Global News, Calgary Herald, City TV Calgary
- Own media: “Echoes of Ukraine” program, weekly news “Your Calgary News” (Angelina Taran)
International context
Part of global celebrations
- 2023: Participation in the global “Chain of Unity” at 7 p.m. local time
Coordination with other cities
- Alberta Provincial Council of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress coordinates events with Edmonton
- 2025: Ukrainian Day in Edmonton (Alberta Legislative Assembly), slogan “Rooted in Heritage, Growing in Freedom”
Challenges and prospects
Growing community needs
- Over 130,000 new Ukrainians in Canada, a significant portion in Calgary
- Need for resources for events that engage the diaspora and newcomers
Expansion of programs
- Search for new performers for “Ukrainian Day in the Park 2025”
- Ambitious plans for the future
Conclusions
- Key events: “Ukrainian Day in the Park” (August 24), flag-raising ceremony (Municipal Plaza)
- Community: over 30 organizations coordinated by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress of Calgary
- Consolidation: since 2022, the celebrations have become acts of solidarity and support for Ukraine
- Future: expanded programs, more participants, strengthening Calgary's role as one of the largest Ukrainian centers in Canada