The annual open-air festival brought together more than 4,000 guests and about 500 volunteers who came together for the sake of culture and the preservation of the Ukrainian national identity. Participants included wounded Ukrainian defenders and representatives of charitable foundations and organizations. The main event was a charity concert featuring Tina Karol, DZIDZIO, Oleksandr Ponomaryov, and Anatoliy Matviychuk to support wounded soldiers.
This was reported by the organizers of the PARASOLKA festival.
"This day was more than just a concert by People's Artists of Ukraine Tina Karol and Oleksandr Ponomaryov and Honored Artist of Ukraine Mykhailo Khoma (Dzidzio). It was a day of hugs, words of support, the Ukrainian language, embroidered shirts, Ukrainian songs, and borscht!" said the event organizers.
Throughout the day, visitors enjoyed food courts, master classes, a children's area, sports activities, and performances by local artists. The main event of the evening was a large concert featuring Ukrainian stars Tina Karol, DZIDZIO, Oleksandr Ponomaryov, and Anatoliy Matviychuk. During their performances, the artists inspired unity and hope in the audience, and the festival's open stage created an atmosphere that truly celebrated Ukrainian culture.
"These concerts bridge Ukrainian music and the rest of the world. We played together. We played Ukrainian music with world musicians for Ukrainians. This is how history is made," said singer Tina Karol, sharing her impressions.
Additionally, the festival has become a platform for powerful charitable initiatives. The Protez Foundation announced a $40,000 fundraiser to purchase prosthetics for wounded soldier Oleksandr. The Revived Soldiers Ukraine team also brought two wounded Ukrainian defenders, Dmytro Nyshchyk and Oleksandr Pivnev, to the festival. They addressed the Sacramento community from the stage. The audience had the opportunity to talk to them, take photos, and get autographs from their favorite artists.
Additionally, local parishes actively participated in the charity mission. The Slavic Trinity Church raised $2,785, and the Holy Trinity Ukrainian Orthodox Church raised an additional $2,738 to support wounded soldiers and the foundation's work.
According to the organizers, MriyaFest 2025 has become a symbol of a new wave of Ukrainian identity in the diaspora, as well as a cultural celebration.
"Our dream cannot be destroyed. The dream is in each of us. Identity is not about where we are, but who we are inside. When a person does not know who he or she is, the direction and meaning of life is lost. God and Ukraine are the foundation on which our identity rests." The festival was not just an event; it was a powerful testament to who we are. We have no right to forget this. Such events change people. We are developing a new Ukrainian culture in the diaspora. We look forward to seeing you next year!" emphasized Eric Latkovsky, one of the organizers.
After the festival, the team and the military took a short vacation to Lake Tahoe, marking the end of the grand event with photos of happy participants.
The team promises a larger program and new surprises for all participants next year. The ParaSOLka team organized the festival with the support of the SOL Church, a Ukrainian church in Sacramento. Dozens of partners and volunteers also contributed, including Anytchka Anya, Olena Bogdan, Sam Batishchev, Anastasia Kooper, and Vasyl Matviychuk, who arranged accommodations for the military and escorted Ukrainian guests.
Through MRIYA FEST, Ukrainians in the diaspora reminded the world of their nation's indomitable spirit and raised significant support for those defending Ukraine on the front lines.
Photos taken from social media: Erik Latkovskyi, Irina Vashchuk Discipio
Author: Danylo Pievchev