Are there any events planned for Ukraine's Independence Day?

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

  • Date and location: August 24, Ukrainian Pioneer's Park

  • 2024: over 3,500 visitors

  • Program:

  • Four hours of performances on the main stage

  • Food fair with traditional Ukrainian cuisine

  • Children's entertainment and activities

  • Booths of local Ukrainian organizations

  • Photo zone for family pictures

  • Beer garden with Ukrainian beer

  • Location: corner of 7th Avenue and 6th Street NE, next to the Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary

  • Admission: free

Flag-raising ceremony

  • Date and time: August 24 at 12:00 p.m., Municipal Plaza

  • Participants: Mayor of Calgary, city council members, representatives of Ukrainian organizations

  • 2023 speakers:

  • Mayor Jyoti Gondek

  • Councillor Terry Wong

  • President of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Dr. Danylo Musienko

  • Iryna Moroz (organizer of the “Victory Towel” initiative)

Special events and concerts

  • Summer 2022: Concert as a means of healing and unity during war

  • Participants:

  • Stefania Romaniuk (mezzo-soprano)

  • Ukrainian choir “Pereveslo” (conductor Kateryna Saxon)

  • 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

  • Date: Every June (2025: June 7–8)

  • Location: Acadia Recreation Complex

  • 16th annual festival:

  • Two stages: Kyiv and Lviv

  • Ukrainian cuisine and crafts

  • Children's area and photo zone

  • Ukrainian market

  • 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

  • Ukrainians of Calgary Association (UOCA):

  • $100,000 spent on medical supplies

  • $150,000 in donations delivered

  • Catholic churches:

  • Fundraising through the Diocesan Fund

  • Collection of non-perishable food and clothing

  • 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