This afternoon, kids performed traditional Ukrainian Christmas carols at the International Cottages in Balboa Park. They sang and played guitar in front of the House of Ukraine cottage.
I saw small wise men, an angel, a bright guiding star, and possibly Mary and Joseph on donkeys. When I asked about the riders, I learned animals from the stable where Jesus was born are often represented in traditional Ukrainian skits performed by kids wandering from door to door during the holiday season.
In this world where adult wars never seem to cease, let us remember the children. May there be Peace on Earth.
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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!
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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)!
The band u3zubmusic will be opening for legendary Ukrainian band SKRYABIN tomorrow, August 15, in Ocean Beach at Winstons Beach Club. What is the band u3zubmusic? A rockin’ group of musicians representing the House of Ukraine in Balboa Park!
I was walking near Balboa Park’s International Cottages this evening when I heard the band rehearsing out on the lawn. I listened for a bit and got some smiles for my camera.
If you want to hear music that is filled with Ukrainian spirit, you might check out the concert. Read more about it and purchase tickets here!
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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 Twitter!
Pysanky are traditional Ukrainian decorated eggs. They are made for the celebration of Easter.
Today pysanky were being crafted in Balboa Park courtesy of the House of Ukraine!
Visitors to the Hall of Nations at the International Cottages could see how beautiful an intricate pysanka egg can be. The colorful designs are created through the use of carefully applied beeswax and the wax-resist process.
Kids could color some designs on paper, too.
There were other traditional Ukrainian crafts on display at several tables, including often armless Motanka dolls. Motanka dolls are like talismans, said to grant wishes, such as guarding the family or a happy, prosperous marriage.
At one table, I learned how an organization called Healing Scalpel is helping to provide medical supplies and services to people devastated by the war in Ukraine.
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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 Twitter!
The Russian invasion of Ukraine is being widely condemned by civilized, peace-loving people around the world.
Today a rally was held in San Diego’s Balboa Park, before the El Cid statue, in support of Ukraine.
Flags waved and urgent words were spoken, including Stop the War and Help Ukraine. Signs were held high for eyes and cameras to see.
As a surprise beginning to the 2 o’clock Spreckels Organ concert, Ukraine’s national anthem was played. Much applause could be heard from the audience.
At the House of Ukraine among the International Cottages, additional words of support were spoken by concerned visitors.
May this war end very soon.
And may Humanity prevail.
I live in downtown San Diego and love to walk around with my camera! You can follow Cool San Diego Sights via Facebook or Twitter!
Balboa Park’s House of Ukraine had their lawn program today at the International Cottages.
I don’t know a whole lot about the culture and history of Ukraine, but I could see one thing very clearly. The Ukrainian love for food, uplifting song, bright colorful costumes and folk dance shows an enduring, passionate love of life.
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