"Vira & Volya Fest" — a celebration with Ukraine in the heart
There are events that end when the music fades, when the lights go out, and even the most enduring guests leave the halls or venues. And there are those after which the celebration lives on in the heart for a long time, filling it with its colors, sounds, smells, meetings, and communication. This is exactly what the "Vira & Volya Fest" in Wisconsin became — a special Ukrainian festival on the grounds of the parish of the Ukrainian Catholic Church of St. Michael the Archangel, which had everything that helps us remain ourselves far from our native land: faith, freedom, song, tradition, beauty, hospitality, and love. It took place on August 30.
On a sunny Sunday, the town of Milwaukee in Wisconsin became a little Ukraine for a moment. Ukrainian songs were heard, native words were spoken, friends and families met, and there was a special light in people's eyes that appears when a short word — together! — has a great unifying and inspiring power over everyone.
The celebration began with the blessing of Bishop Benedict and the parish priest Father Ihor Darmohrai. Their sincere words and joint prayer filled everyone with a sense of the importance of the festival meeting, as it is clear that it is held not just as an entertainment event, but as an opportunity to unite and jointly help Ukraine in its difficult duel with a fierce enemy. The presence of Ukrainian soldiers who are in the United States for treatment and prosthetics always makes such events a celebration of resilience.
So, on this day here in Wisconsin, there was a lot of everything Ukrainian: songs, music, traditions, and the incredible energy of people who preserve and nurture their culture far from their native land. Talented local performers, as well as guests from Chicago, took to the stage. With their creativity, they not only support Ukrainian culture but also demonstrate its beauty and strength to the whole world. All performers — from the youngest to the oldest — brought a piece of the Ukrainian soul to the festival, and each performed piece contained a deep meaning of love for Ukraine and a memory of our roots. It seemed as if Ukraine itself took the stage!
The true highlight of the festival was the showcase of Ukrainian ethnic attire by Roksolana Prokopiv, demonstrated by young models — students of the StarKids school under the leadership of Kateryna Hrod. They significantly complemented the festival story, which was told through prayer, song, dance, and beauty.
And what Ukrainian celebration would be complete without a feast?
Generous hostesses welcomed guests with sincere smiles and treated them to traditional, which means delicious, Ukrainian dishes. Yes, Ukrainian hospitality is like a special kind of art, because behind every plate of delicacies are hours of work, behind every pastry is a family recipe, and behind every smile is a desire to share warmth and kindness with people.
All of this was at our festival. And all of this gave each of the attendees an awareness of who we are by our ancestral roots, offering a deep conviction: if Ukraine is in the heart, we will never be far from home!
"Vira & Volya Fest" became yet another proof that Ukrainians, wherever they live, know how to create Ukraine around them, which they breathe and are inspired by, in which they pray in Ukrainian, sing in Ukrainian, think and feel in Ukrainian. Therefore, children born in America are proud of their roots and want to know as much as possible about the land of their parents.
Sincere gratitude to the festival organizers and everyone who was involved in its organization! May "Vira & Volya Fest" gather more and more Ukrainian hearts into its spiritual and artistic fold every year.
May our Faith be strong and unwavering, and our Freedom — indomitable!
Glory to Ukraine!
Photos by Petro Kovtun
