In San Diego, California, the Ukrainian organization House of Ukraine held a traditional Ivan Kupala celebration at De Anza Cove Park on the shores of Mission Bay. The event brought together Ukrainian families, friends of Ukraine, and anyone interested in learning about ancient Ukrainian customs, combining folk rituals, a shared picnic, creative workshops, and family fun.
This was reported by House of Ukraine.
The holiday was an opportunity for the Ukrainian community of San Diego to come together to revive one of the oldest summer Ukrainian rituals. Organizers say such gatherings help preserve Ukrainian cultural heritage far from the homeland and strengthen community unity.
During the evening, participants decorated the traditional Kupala tree together, wove wreaths of fresh wildflowers, led round dances, sang Ukrainian folk songs and danced. Families brought home-cooked dishes for a shared table in the format of a potluck, creating a warm atmosphere of a Ukrainian family holiday.
One of the central events was a master class on weaving Kupala wreaths, conducted by Tetyana Verezhak. Participants learned about the symbolism of the ancient Ukrainian rite, during which girls wove wildflowers and herbs into wreaths, making wishes for a happy fate, prosperity and the fulfillment of dreams.
The organizers recalled that wreath weaving on Ivan Kupala is one of the oldest Ukrainian customs, symbolizing the unity of man with nature and the preservation of the people's spiritual heritage.
The holiday program also included Kupala songs, folk dances, traditional jumping over the fire, an evening bonfire, round dances around the Kupala tree, and joint performance of Ukrainian songs. The participants themselves joined in the musical accompaniment, bringing guitars, tambourines, and other musical instruments.
Separate games, entertainment, and creative activities were prepared for the youngest guests, thanks to which the holiday became a family event for several generations of the Ukrainian community.
The organizers invited guests to come in embroidered shirts or traditional Ukrainian clothes, and communication during the event took place in Ukrainian and English, which allowed friends of Ukraine and representatives of other communities to join in as well.
After the celebration, House of Ukraine thanked all participants for the atmosphere created.
“Together, we wove wreaths, decorated the Kupala tree, sang Ukrainian songs, led round dances, and created an atmosphere that reminded us of our traditions, unity, and the strength of the community. Such meetings help preserve Ukrainian culture far from home and give the feeling that we are one big family,” the organizers noted.
House of Ukraine expressed special gratitude to the National Center of Folk Culture “Ivan Honchar Museum” for the methodological support and materials of the “Know Your Ukraine” program, which help pass on Ukrainian traditions to new generations of Ukrainians abroad.
Participation in the celebration was free of charge, and all those who wished could make voluntary donations for future cultural programs of the Ukrainian community of San Diego.
Photo: House of Ukraine
Author: Inna Mikhno