The Ukrainian American Art Center in Los Angeles hosted the annual St. Nicholas Day event, traditionally organized by the Ukrainian Saturday School "Ridna Shkola". The institution, which has been uniting Ukrainian immigrant families for more than 50 years, has become a meeting place for different generations of the community.
This was reported by the Voice of America.
The program was prepared by the youngest students of the school. The co-organizer of the event, Victoria Kuzina, emphasized that the purpose of the event was not only to unite Ukrainian families, but also to raise funds to support the school. The money raised will be used to purchase curriculum, textbooks and improve conditions for students.
A special feature of this year's event was that about half of the students at the Native School are children who came to the United States after 2022. Volunteer Anna Mazhuyeva, who moved to Los Angeles two years ago, emphasized the importance of such events for children to remember their roots and incorporate Ukrainian traditions into their lives.
In addition to a colorful concert program, a fair with Ukrainian souvenirs and traditional dishes, including lard, was organized for the guests. Daria Poddubniak, a participant in the fair, presented handmade products that she and her assistants create in Ukraine. She said that through her products she promotes Ukrainian culture among Americans by adding unique elements, such as visual recipes on handkerchiefs.
The event became an important one for the Ukrainian community in Los Angeles, bringing together children and adults in a festive atmosphere full of tradition, culture and warmth.
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Photo: Oleg Kharchenko
Author: Danylo Pievchev