Ukrainian Montrealers celebrating Vyshyvanka Day
Posted May 18, 2023 1:29 pm.
Last Updated May 18, 2023 11:09 pm.
Ukrainians celebrated Vyshyvanka Day in Montreal on Thursday.
Montrealers are gathered at Place Jacques Cartier at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday and marched to Place D’Armes in Old Montreal.
“On this day all over the world, we’re having Ukrainians in every city, on every continent of the globe are parading today in their Ukrainian shirts,” said Michael Shwec, president of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress, Quebec Provincial Council. “Usually it’s a much more festive day, but because of the war, it’s a little bit more solemn.”
“It means everything. It means that I still, like I have always been and will be Ukrainian deep inside,” said Solomia Hladka, a Ukrainian, adding, “so even being far from home doesn’t mean I will forget the traditions. So this keeps my identity.”
Hladka, from Lviv, Ukraine, is visiting her community here in Montreal. “Each day we are having so different feelings since the war started and even since 2014. So today it is a day to remember and to celebrate our culture and identity,” she added.
Ukrainians participating in Vyshyvanka Day at Place Jacques Cartier. (Photo Credit: Gareth Madoc-Jones/CityNews)
The vyshyvanka – a typical Ukrainian embroidered shirt – is a symbol of Ukrainian heritage.
The Ukrainian Canadian Congress says it’s become a symbol of resilience since Russia’s war in Ukraine.
“It’s not only to honor Ukrainian traditions. It also for us has sacred meaning because vyshyvanka itself, all these ornaments, they also serve as protection. And in every region they have different vyshyvanka,” said Vlada Polishchuk, a Ukrainian Montrealer.
Ukraine Montrealers celebrate Vyshyvanka Day. (Photo credit: Gareth Madoc-Jones/CityNews)
“Vyshyvanka Day is a chance to honour the memory of the thousands of innocent people murdered by Russia,” Quebec’s UCC branch said in a statement.
The Honorary Consul of Ukraine and city representatives was in attendance.
“This year’s celebrations may look different, but they remain an important reminder of the value of identity, culture, and resilience,” the UCC said. “Ukrainians around the world will come together to commemorate their shared heritage and the sacrifices of those who have fought for it.”
The UCC is continuing its call to Canada to keep helping Ukraine in its war against Russia.
