In the town of Maplewood, New Jersey, the annual “Maplewood Ukrainian Day”, traditionally organized by the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Ascension of the Lord, was held. The festival brought together the Ukrainian community, local residents, artists, volunteers, businesses and friends of Ukraine, becoming a vivid demonstration of Ukrainian culture far from the Motherland.
This was reported Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Holy Ascension.
During the day, guests got acquainted with Ukrainian traditions, folk art, music and cuisine. Ukrainian performers Zlata Barchuk, VODA Voice, Odali, Soloway Band, the Bandura Duo: Oksana Telepko & Halyna Leskiw, Khrystyna Kramar & Filomena Voloshyn, as well as dance groups that presented Ukrainian folk dances. And the concert program was opened by the young singer Zlata Barchuk, performing the National Anthem of Ukraine.
“It was a day filled with music, unity, warm meetings and unforgettable emotions. It is moments like these that remind us that even far from home, Ukraine lives in our hearts,” the VODA Voice team said in a statement.
In addition to the concert program, visitors were treated to master classes, a fair of Ukrainian crafts, children's entertainment and exhibitions of local craftsmen.
Ukrainian cuisine has traditionally become one of the main components of the festival. For several months, community volunteers prepared traditional Ukrainian dishes, including dumplings, cabbage rolls, bograch and other delicacies. The Cossack plate, Transcarpathian bograch cooked on a fire, and shashlik, which was prepared by the men of the parish, were especially popular.
The community emphasizes that the festival was made possible thanks to the great work of dozens of volunteers, coordinators, benefactors and sponsors who have supported the Ukrainian community of New Jersey for many years. The parish emphasized that thanks to their help, it was possible to organize a large-scale cultural event, which became a meeting place for Ukrainian organizations, entrepreneurs and local public initiatives.
“Ukrainian Day in Maplewood is not just a festival. It is a holiday where everything Ukrainian is celebrated: culture, community and traditions. This is a day that unites all people who love Ukraine and support its people,” the organizers noted.
The organizers emphasize that Maplewood Ukrainian Day has long become not only a cultural event, but also a place where new partnerships are born between Ukrainian organizations, businesses and the American community.
Summing up the festival, the Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Ascension of the Lord thanked all the volunteers, coordinators, sponsors, artists and guests who helped create the atmosphere of a Ukrainian home with their work.
“We are happy and grateful to God that our community is so friendly, united and full of enthusiasm. It is thanks to joint work, sacrifice and love for each other that we have been able to organize such wonderful holidays for many years,” the organizers concluded.
Photo: Ukrainian Orthodox Church of Holy Ascension
Author: Inna Mikhno