Ukrainian Festival adds joy to Balboa Park!

A lively, joyful celebration of Ukrainian culture was held today in San Diego. The House of Ukraine’s big Ukrainian Festival drew an enthusiastic crowd to the International Cottages in Balboa Park!

Several artists on the lawn smiled and showed their art for sale. A couple of booths raised money for charitable causes. Much of the money raised during the festival would go toward providing relief to war-torn Ukraine.

After grabbing authentic Ukrainian food, such as kovbasa sandwiches and varenyky, families sat on the lawn and watched folk dancing and listened to traditional music.

I took these photographs…

A big crowd gathered at Balboa Park’s International Cottages for the House of Ukraine’s 2023 lawn program.

Sales of treats at one table raised money for the Ukrainian School of San Diego.

Two smiling artists were selling great artwork with a Ukraine theme.

Cheerful artwork by Svitlana Ivasyuk includes sunflowers.

Fun artwork by Orysya Barua includes traditional Ukrainian dress.

The next two people you see were raising money to help Ukraine during its present difficulties.

On the left is Daniel Bondarenko, who was promoting Healing Scalpel. The organization is sending medical supplies to Ukrainian field hospitals during the war.

On the right is artist Kateryna Marchuk. Sales of her art go to emergency supplies for Ukraine. Check out her fine art here.

People walk around the House of Ukraine cottage.

Signs around the cottage concern the invasion of Ukraine and the defense of Freedom.

A big line waits to purchase Ukrainian food during the festival.

Lots of tasty items on the menu!

Some crafts and souvenirs for sale. Money raised helps Ukraine.

House of Ukraine’s rock band u3zubmusic performs before the 2 o’clock cultural program begins.

Chamber Music Ensemble of the University of San Diego performs the Ukrainian National Anthem and other traditional songs on stage.

Here come the folk dancers! They are the Chervona Kalyna Ukrainian Dance Group out of Los Angeles.

Performing a joyful Welcoming Dance.

A hospitable welcome includes a big loaf of bread!

Young people dressed as Cossacks arrive.

Ukrainians love dancing!

The audience is then treated to traditional Bandura music.

Soulful singing during the 2023 Ukrainian Festival in San Diego!

Thanks for visiting Cool San Diego Sights!

I post new blogs pretty often. If you like discovering new things, bookmark coolsandiegosights.com and swing on by occasionally!

I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or X (formerly known as Twitter)!

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Richard Schulte

Downtown San Diego has been my home for many years. My online activities reflect my love for writing, blogging, walking and photography.

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