The Northwest Ukrainian International Festival—an annual celebration of Ukrainian culture, music, and traditions—took place in Bellevue, Washington. The event brought together Ukrainians, members of other communities, and friends of Ukraine, offering guests a concert program, Ukrainian cuisine, a fair, workshops, and entertainment for children.
This was reported by Pacific Ukrainian Society.
This year’s festival marked the eleventh edition since the event’s inception in 2016. Over that time, it has grown into a prominent Ukrainian cultural event on the U.S. Pacific Northwest coast. Its goal is to showcase Ukrainian culture to American and international audiences through music, dance, traditions, cuisine, and other cultural expressions.
Throughout the day, vendor and information booths were open, allowing attendees to purchase Ukrainian goods, traditional clothing, and *vyshyvankas* (embroidered shirts), as well as to learn about local organizations and businesses. A dedicated "Family Fun Zone" offered games and entertainment for children, while visitors could sample Ukrainian dishes and other foods.
The festival’s musical program featured performances by choirs, soloists, and bands from the U.S. Pacific Northwest and Ukraine. Participants included Lada Sing, the Svitanok choir, Olga Katanova, Roman Vashchuk, the vocal group Arfochky, and Yuriy Mozil, a musician from the Ukrainian band Skai.
A special segment of the program featured original poetry by Tetiana Myronets titled "Rhymes of War," dedicated to lived experiences, memory, pain, and Ukraine’s resilience.
A volleyball tournament was also held as part of the festival. The competition began in the morning, and following the group stage, teams continued to compete in the upper and lower brackets. An additional $500 was added to the tournament's final prize pool.
Another highlight of the program was a prize draw. Prizes included a family trip to Hawaii, a MacBook, gift certificates for shopping and services, vouchers for leisure and wellness activities, traditional Ukrainian embroidered shirts (*vyshyvankas*), and other gifts. Raffle tickets cost $15 each, and the winners were selected during the festival's closing ceremony.
Organizers also provided an opportunity to support Ukrainian cultural programs and community initiatives through the purchase of lottery tickets; all proceeds from these sales were dedicated to these causes.
The Northwest Ukrainian International Festival unites Washington's Ukrainian community each year and introduces a broader audience to Ukrainian culture. The event program encompasses both traditional elements—such as music, cuisine, *vyshyvankas*, and handicrafts—and modern cultural and sporting activities.
Photo: Alla Svystun, Olena Zhupanenko
Author: Danylo Pievchev