Ufest is a vibrant festival in Edmonton celebrating Ukrainian culture. Ukrainian culture has been a vital part of Canada’s cultural landscape since the 1880s, when the first immigrants from Ukraine arrived. This event plays a crucial role in uniting the Ukrainian diaspora and fostering multiculturalism in Canadian society. Learn more about this festival and its history at edmontonski.
History and Mission of the Festival
The first Ufest took place in 2019, immediately drawing significant attention and participation. Since its inception, the festival has grown into an event that attracts thousands of visitors annually. It is traditionally held in Edmonton’s Borden Park.
The festival showcases Ukrainian art, culture, music, traditional cuisine, crafts, and dance over two days. Ufest is not just for people of Ukrainian heritage; it welcomes individuals from diverse backgrounds, creating a space for cultural exchange and community bonding.
Ufest is free to attend and features two main stages for live performances. Surrounding these stages are areas dedicated to Ukrainian food, art, and crafts. The festival highlights both professional and amateur artists, ensuring a lively and creative atmosphere.
The primary mission of Ufest is to share the richness of Ukrainian culture with Edmonton’s residents, fostering shared interests and building lasting relationships with other cultural groups. This promotes multiculturalism, a core value of Canada, benefiting all its residents.
In 2024, the festival’s opening day alone drew over 7,000 attendees, making it the largest Ukrainian cultural event in the region.
Family-Friendly Activities
Ufest offers plenty of activities for children, including petting zoos, mini train rides, games, and workshops. In 2024, kids even had the chance to explore a real fire truck. The festival ensures fun and engaging experiences for all young attendees.
Malanka Celebration in Jasper
Every year, Ufest organizes a Malanka celebration. Malanka, celebrated on the night of January 13th, marks the farewell to the old year and the start of a new cycle.
The celebration traditionally takes place in Jasper, located 300 kilometers from Edmonton. With its picturesque mountain setting, Jasper provides a magical winter atmosphere for the event.
In 2024, the Malanka celebration featured Ukrainian dance ensembles, traditional cuisine, and attendees dressed in vibrant embroidered clothing, creating a festive and welcoming environment.
Volunteer Involvement
The festival relies heavily on volunteers who assist with site preparation, workshops, safety, food services, and more. Volunteers are provided with free T-shirts, gifts, and meals as tokens of appreciation.
Volunteering at Ufest is an excellent opportunity to support Ukrainian culture and art. To become a volunteer, applicants must submit a form on the festival’s website. Performers wishing to showcase their talents can also apply, with a jury selecting a limited number of participants.
Conclusion
Ufest is a vital and large-scale event that introduces Edmonton residents to Ukrainian culture and art. It is made possible by the dedication of numerous individuals passionate about raising global awareness of Ukrainian heritage.