The 49th annual St. George Ukrainian Festival took place in New York City

From May 16 to 18, the vibrant celebration of Ukrainian culture took place in Manhattan, New York. Organized by St. George's Ukrainian Catholic Church, the 49th annual St. George Ukrainian Festival brought together hundreds of guests and more than 100 performers. The event brought together hundreds of guests and more than 100 performers, who presented a rich program featuring Ukrainian songs and dances, traditional cuisine, workshops, and children's entertainment.

This was reported by Saint George Ukrainian Festival.

"For more than a century, since the beginning of the last century, St. George's Parish has served as the spiritual, political, and cultural center of all five waves of Ukrainian migrants to New York City, who found their second homeland here amid the various circumstances of our difficult history. For nearly half of that time, the festival has been a special occasion for us to come together in prayer, song, and sharing our talents. Our song, our dance, our culture — they are immortal, as are the Ukrainian soul and spirit of freedom," said the church, which hosted the large-scale event.  

The festival opened with a prayer, performances of the anthems of the United States and Ukraine, and a welcoming speech by Father John Lubiv. Participants enjoyed performances by a dozen dance groups from New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Florida, and other cities, as well as six choirs, 15 dance schools and ensembles, 18 vocalists, and one duo. 

Immediately following the opening ceremony, the children's and youth program began. Young singers from the Moloda Dumka choir, directed by Vasyl Hrechynskyi, impressed the audience with their sincere performances of songs such as "Nightingale," "Rain," and "Chervona Ruta." Dance performances were presented by the Ukrainian Dance School of Roma Pryma-Bohachevska (New York), "Nadiya" from New Jersey, and the ensembles "Barvinok," "Vesna," "Suzirya," and others.

The Pysanka Choir, directed by Olga Obertos, was a real discovery, moving the audience with their performances of "Learn," "Mother," and "The Power of the Family." Winners of the 2025 Voice of the Ukrainian Diaspora competition, including Anna Taran, Solomiya Bucha, Melania Bilinska, and Yana Kotsan, performed lyrical and patriotic pieces.

The first part of the program ended with a real choreographic marathon featuring "Hopaky," "Kozachky," "Spring Dances," Hutsul, and Transcarpathian performances by dozens of groups, which received a standing ovation.

The evening program began at 6:00 p.m. The stage was opened by the ensembles Syzokryli and Yunist with greeting dances. Powerful solo performances were given by Khrystyna Vulchak ("And There Will Be No War," "New Country"), Khrystyna Yavdoshniak, Olga Obertos, and the duo Yaroslavna — Natalia and Yaroslav Dub.

The Ukrainian Village Voices group impressed the audience with their performance of ritualistic polyphonic songs, "Ocheret luhom guded" and "Oh, don't go, kucherivchyk," which immersed the audience in deep traditional culture.

The evening concluded with a performance by People's Artist of Ukraine Oleh Lykhach, who sang several compositions. The Yunist and Syzokryli ensembles performed a choreographed hopak finale.

The second day of the festival started with a spiritual concert by the Dumka Choir at St. George's Church. Then, a concert marathon continued on the main stage. There were performances by the Synevyr and Horlytsia ensembles, the St. George's Academy choir, and other groups.

There were also solo performances by Sofia Holiney, Anastasia Tkachuk, and Vladyslav and Ustym Chorny. Outstanding performances were also given by the Tarrytown School, St. George Academy, and Vocal+Art Studio "SMILYVI." Once again, the stage was filled with winners of the Voice of the Ukrainian Diaspora 2025.

In the afternoon, Daria and Lesia Grabovy, Khrystyna Kramar, Ruslana Makar, the Yaroslavna Duo, Sizokryli, Kalynonka, and Yunist ensembles performed.