The 23rd Lemkivska Vatra Festival was held in Ellenville, New York, at the Ukrainian Youth Union (YUU) headquarters. Every year, it brings together representatives of the Lemkivska community, Ukrainian creative groups, and guests from different states in the United States. This year's festival became another platform for preserving Lemkivska culture, traditions, and the unity of the Ukrainian diaspora.
This was reported by the Lemkivska Defense Organization in America (OOL).
The festival traditionally took place on the territory of the UYU headquarters in Ellenville, where a rich cultural program, folk music, Ukrainian cuisine, sports entertainment, and evening entertainment were prepared for the guests.
The festival, launched in 2003 by the Lemko Defense Organization in America with the support of the Lemko Research Foundation, has been a meeting place for Lemkos from different parts of the United States and Canada for over two decades. Its main goal is to preserve and popularize the cultural heritage of the Lemko region, passing it on to younger generations.
The festival program began in the morning: a fair and a vendor area were open, and in the afternoon a memorial service was held, after which a traditional bonfire was lit and the festival was officially opened, which included a large concert, and the holiday ended with a dance party to live music.
The bands “Na Lemkovyny”, “Chynist”, “Kalinovka”, “Rodyna” performed on stage, as well as performers Iryna Lonchyna, Max Lozynsky, Daria and Damian Wozniak. Visitors were also treated to sports games, a Ukrainian crafts fair, and traditional dishes, including a baked pig.
The organizers thanked everyone who participated in the celebration, emphasizing that the festival has been an important event for the Ukrainian community in the United States for over two decades.
“The 23rd Lemkivska Vatra at the Ellenville CYM was a success! Incredible atmosphere, traditions, and unity! We thank all participants and friends for their support and help, as well as guests who came to our festival,” Lemko-OOL 3rd Branch Passaic reported.
One of the sponsors of the festival was the Ukrainian Federal Credit Union “Samopomich” (SUMA FCU).
“Lemkivska Vatra” is one of the oldest festivals of the Ukrainian diaspora in the United States. Every year, it unites Ukrainians of different generations, popularizes the history and culture of the Lemko region, introduces guests to folk traditions, music, dances, and Ukrainian cuisine, strengthening ties between Ukrainian communities in North America.
Photo: SUMA Federal Credit Union, Lemko-OOL 3rd Branch Passaic
Author: Inna Mikhno