The Ukrainian community of Colorado celebrated the 34th anniversary of Ukraine’s Independence with great fanfare. The main events took place in Lakewood, where the Colorado Ukrainian Festival 2025 was held. The program included concerts, a fair, a children’s area, and Ukrainian cuisine, creating a real atmosphere of unity and cultural celebration for several thousand visitors.
This was reported by Ukrainians of Colorado.
The festival began in the afternoon and lasted until late in the evening. Numerous artists and groups performed on stage: sisters Evelina and Zoriana Herman, students of the “Kobzar School”, dancer Angelina Girts, rhythmic gymnasts Sofia and Milana Tatkov, and Stella Nimyrovskaya. Dance numbers were presented by the Postoley Dance Ensemble, as well as the Classical Ballet Academy. Mark Farion’s singing with the bandura added a special touch.
The main headliner was the legendary Oleg Skrypka, who, together with the band, gave an incredible energy to the audience. “Tonight was an incredible evening! Oleg Skrypka and his band filled the atmosphere with music, joy and Ukrainian pride,” the organizers shared. Other performers included Bria Blessing and Ukrainian dance groups.
During the festival, the anthems of the United States and Ukraine were performed, after which a minute of silence was declared in memory of the deceased. The spiritual number “Pray for Ukraine” performed by Valery Kandyuk, Alex Kondratieshin and Yuriy Kreiman was also heard. Official guests of the event also spoke from the stage, emphasizing the importance of supporting Ukraine even thousands of kilometers from the Motherland.
Local breweries and restaurants also joined the celebrations, presenting dishes of Ukrainian cuisine, including a special beer from Mova Brewery from Dnipro. For visitors, a children's zone, an art fair, photo zones and even a VIP section near the stage with separate seats and drinks were organized. On the eve of the celebration, the community also gathered for an after-party at the Long Table Brewhouse with a DJ set and themed competitions.
The festival became not only an entertainment event, but also a powerful gesture of solidarity with Ukraine.
“Even in the most difficult times, Ukrainians continue to rise, celebrate their culture and stand proudly for independence. Here in Colorado, we keep our voices and hearts strong – together we carry Ukraine forward,” Ukrainians of Colorado emphasized.
The celebration also attracted the attention of American media – in particular, the organizers shared that a story about the festival was aired on the Denver7 News channel in the morning. This made it possible to tell a wider audience about Ukrainian culture and once again emphasize the resilience of the Ukrainian people in the fight for freedom.
Author: Danylo Pievchev