The Ukrainian Village Fest took place, as it does every year, near the parish of St. Vladimir and St. Olga, traditionally gathering thousands of visitors. This year's festival was especially significant because the Ukrainian Village was officially recognized as a cultural district of Illinois. Bishop Venedikt Aleksiychuk, Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas, Consul General of Ukraine in Chicago Serhiy Kolesov, priests, representatives of Ukrainian organizations, and the parish council cut the festive ribbon on stage.
This was reported by Ukrainian Village Fest.
The two-day festival featured Ukrainian music, dance, folk costumes, art, and cuisine, which guests enjoyed. The main stage featured performances by the Gromovytsia ensemble, the Ukrainian Dance School, Sofia Fraser, Maria Pavlyshyn, Svitlana Vesna, the Hremo band, and other performers. The highlight of the event was virtuoso violinist Inessa Tymochko-Dekailo, who integrated the audience into her performance by coming out into the crowd.
The program featured a variety of performances, ranging from hopak and polonaise to modern interpretations. The most anticipated moments included varenyky eating contests, performances by the children's groups Creative Kids and Smart Minds, and singing by the SUM choir. The organizers emphasized that some of the proceeds would be donated to Ukraine through the charitable organizations Revived Soldiers of Ukraine, the Protez Foundation, and the Ukrainian Women's Union of America.
Congressman Mike Quigley attended the festival, chatting with guests and visiting the Ukrainian National Museum, where he viewed the “Courage of a Nation” exhibition. Participants said that despite the shadow of war, such events provide a sense of unity and allow people to forget their pain, if only for a moment. "This is a time of simple joy, and a way to remember our history and traditions," said the organizers.
On July 2, Chicago's Ukrainian Village was officially recognized as a Designated Cultural District by the state of Illinois. This historic decision was announced at a press conference attended by Congresswoman Delia Ramírez, State Representative Lilian Jiménez, Senator Omar Aquino, Alderman Gilbert Villegas, and other leaders.
Ukrainian Village is now one of 15 cultural districts in the state and one of only six in Chicago. This status is granted for 10 years, with the possibility of renewal, and it provides state funding to preserve the Ukrainian identity, history, and the district's role as home to the Ukrainian community.
This recognition comes at a time when Ukraine is fighting for survival in the face of war. While the world is growing weary of news about the war, Illinois is demonstrating dignity and solidarity by offering Ukrainians shelter and a space for cultural development and pride.
This achievement was made possible through the collaboration of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America, the Illinois Division of the Selfreliance Association, the Ukrainian National Museum, the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art, the Kyiv Mohyla Foundation of America, the Consulate General of Ukraine in Chicago, and many others. Anastasia Kovalenko designed the official logo of the Illinois Cultural District.
Foto: Peter Koutun
Author: Danylo Pievchev