In Yardville, New Jersey, the annual “Sunflower Festival” was held at the St. George Ukrainian Orthodox Church parish. The celebration brought together hundreds of guests, presenting them with Ukrainian music, dance, cuisine and art.
This was reported by St. George Ukrainian Orthodox Church.
The festival began with a prayer for Ukraine and the consecration of the pavilion, after which guests immersed themselves in the atmosphere of culture and traditions. The event organized by St. George Ukrainian Orthodox Church has become a real center of Ukrainian life in the state, and this year for the first time included the international art competition “White Star”. Artists from different countries presented their works, and the finalists of the competition were solemnly awarded on stage.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to come together, celebrate our heritage and share the unique Ukrainian culture with different communities in the United States,” said the abbot, Father Petro, to the guests of the event.
The festival program was rich: from culinary master classes and an embroidery fair to children's entertainment and performances by dance groups. Visitors had the opportunity to taste traditional Ukrainian dishes - from borscht to varenyky, as well as purchase souvenirs and folk art products. In the evening, a concert program was held, which became the culmination of the holiday.
Andriy Mazepa, the Voda Voice group, Iryna Lonchyna, Yevhen Dashyn, Oksana Yakovyna and Ihor Shtorm performed on stage, as well as dance groups and the Rodyna ensemble. A special highlight was the performance of People's Artist of Ukraine Oksana Bilozir, whose voice and charisma made this evening unforgettable.
The Sunflower Festival in New Jersey once again confirmed its role as a platform for the preservation and development of Ukrainian culture in the diaspora, as well as an event that strengthens the community and supports unity in difficult times.
Photo: RevPeter Levko
Author: Danylo Pievchev