Montreal celebrates 25th anniversary of Ukrainian Festival at Maisonneuve Park
Posted September 6, 2025 4:35 pm.
Last Updated September 6, 2025 6:22 pm.
Montreal’s Ukrainian Festival marked its 25th celebration on Saturday — drawing thousands to Maisonneuve Park for a day of music, dancing, food celebrating Ukrainian culture.
Organizers say it’s the city’s second-largest cultural celebration after the St. Patrick’s Day parade.
The event included an outdoor stage show featuring top Ukrainian performers, authentic Ukrainian food, bustling marketplace filled with handmade crafts and traditional clothing.
The highlight of the event included a performance by Romax, Kyiv’s acclaimed folk-rock band.
“You’re going to see 93 different kiosks,” said Gregory Bedik, spokesperson for Montreal Ukrainian Festival. “Just passed by one kiosk that’s actually got a traditional Ukrainian meal called banosh. It’s cornmeal mixture with a special cheese called brinza-milken-green. It is delicious. If you have a chance to come down, that’ll warm you.”
This year’s milestone comes as the war in Ukraine nears its third year, with organizers saying that the festival is not only about heritage — but also about the resilience of Montreal’s Ukrainian community during a time of conflict abroad.
“Well, we’re still at war,” said Bedik. “We’re still defending our country in Ukraine. We’re still defending democracy in Europe and, I’d say, for the world. So, it’s important to show the world, to say that the Ukrainian spirit lives.”
Organizers also say that the festival also aims to serve as a welcoming space for newcomers.
Canada has the second-largest Ukrainian community in the world, behind Russia.
Since the start of the war, organizers estimate more than 40,000 Ukrainians have arrived in Quebec.
