In New York, at the United Nations Headquarters, the Permanent Mission of Ukraine to the UN organized a special cultural and artistic event titled "Ukrainian Christmas. Koliada". The event, dedicated to Ukrainian Christmas traditions, gathered the diplomatic corps, representatives of member states, and the UN Secretariat.
This was reported by the Permanent Mission of Ukraine to the UN in New York.
“This event served as a reminder to the international diplomatic community of the strength of the Ukrainian people, rooted in our ancient history, the diversity, and depth of our traditions, and the resilience of Ukrainians who, even in the darkest times, fought to preserve and pass on Christmas”, the organizers noted.
The program included three key elements of Ukrainian Christmas: a nativity scene (vertep), carols (kolyadky), and a decorative table illustrating the traditional Holy Supper with 12 dishes. The nativity scene and carols were performed by renowned Ukrainian choral groups in the U.S., including Dumka and Ukrainian Village Voices.
“We showcased to our guests the richness of Ukrainian carols — an integral part of our cultural heritage. It was an unforgettable evening of unity through music and traditions.We are deeply honored to contribute to Ukraine's cultural diplomacy at such a level!”, shared the Dumka ensemble.
A distinctive feature of the event was the demonstration of Ukrainian Christmas and national attire, as well as treating guests to traditional Christmas dishes, which added to the atmosphere.
The organizers expressed gratitude to all participants and guests who supported this important initiative, which served as a remarkable testament to Ukrainian cultural diplomacy amidst global challenges.
Author: Inna Mikhno