Jul 10, 2019 | Announcements and updates Festival News
Since 2015, the third weekend of July has seen thousands of visitors pour into the grounds of St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Shrine in Ottawa. For three days, the location hosts the Capital Ukrainian Festival, transforming into a celebratory village of Ukrainian culture.
“This year’s Capital Ukrainian Festival will continue its traditions while bringing new experiences to festival-goers. It will showcase Ukrainian and Ukrainian-Canadian culture, both integral parts of the Canadian multicultural identity,” explained Jane Kolbe, head of the festival’s Board of Directors.
Featuring artists, performers, and vendors from Canada and abroad, the 2019 Capital Ukrainian Festival spans three days full of Ukrainian-themed music, food, dance, song, workshops, demonstrations, displays, and more.
Visitors can immerse themselves in singing, dancing, and live music across the Festival grounds with 3 performing venues and over 200 performers over the course of the weekend. The Ukrainian Credit Union Main Stage will host bands and ensembles such as Mad Heads, with their charismatic lead singer Vadym Krasnooky; award-winning singer Auresia and a special guest, bandurist Marina Krut, both from Ukraine; the Selo Ukrainian Dancers from Manitoba; the magically entertaining Vasyl Popadiuk and his Papa Duke Band; the award-winning klezmer band Kleztory; and Ottawa’s own Svitanok Ukrainian Dance Ensemble.
Get up close to performers and speakers at the Village Voices Folk Stage where you can enjoy colourful live music or learn toasting traditions with vodka baroness Katherine Vellinga in a segment calledl Budmo!
On Friday and Saturday at 8pm, lend your voice to one of the largest Ukrainian sing-a-longs that Ottawa has witnessed, or simply listen and clap along to an authentic celebration of cultural roots.
Savour delicious Ukrainian food and drinks throughout the whole weekend at the food village and beer garden. Curb your hunger the Ukrainian way with varenyky (perogies), borshch, shashlik (shish-kabobs), and much more and wash everything down with Lvivske beer or some non-alcoholic compote, made fresh for the festival. The Buduchnist Credit Union Yarmarok (Marketplace) will also offer a wide selection of Ukrainian-themed treasures from many diverse vendors.
Daytime children’s activities on Saturday and Sunday, including crafts and a petting zoo, guarantee fun for the whole family. The inside of the Shrine will also be busy during the weekend with church tours and sacred music choirs. In the church basement, participate in cultural workshops and make your own Ukrainian cultural keepsakes, such as pysanky (Ukrainian painted eggs) and korovai (Ukrainian wedding bread).
Saturday night features the Festival’s famous zabava – Ukrainian dance party – with everyone’s favourite zabava band, Zirka. Be sure to participate in the kolomyika, where everyone shows off their best dance moves!
Experience the vibrancy, hospitality, and diversity of Ukrainian culture at the 2019 Ottawa Capital Ukrainian Festival.
FREE admission – FREE parking
Location: 952 Green Valley Crescent, Ottawa, Ontario
Hours:
Friday July 19, 2019 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm
Saturday July 20, 2019 11:00 am – 11:00 pm
Sunday July 21, 2019 11:00 am – 6:00 pm
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. #OCUF2019
Website: capitalukrainianfestival.com