Performers at the gathering in Tralee. Photo by Olga DerevyankoTHE Ukrainian community in Kerry, in association with NEWKD (North, East and West Kerry Development), celebrated the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s Independence with a series of cultural events dedicated to resilience, heritage and unity.
Over 200 people attended an event in Tralee called “Celebrate Unity!” which brought together Ukrainians, local residents and host families.
Kerry Mayor Mikey Sheehy attended the event to extend a warm welcome to the Ukrainian community and express solidarity.
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Highlights included musical performances combining Ukrainian and international songs from soloists and groups from Vilnia and the Zhyvohrai Children’s Choir, conducted by Choirmaster Lili Nemchenko.
Mayor of Kerry Mikey Sheehy at the Tralee event. Photo by Olga DerevyankoThere was also the Vyshyvanka Parade — a colourful display of traditional embroidered shirts celebrating cultural heritage.
A Cuisine and Craft Fair saw stalls featuring authentic Ukrainian food, traditional baked goods and crafts, while a Family Photo Zone captured unforgettable moments.
Elsewhere in Kerry, audiences gathered in Dingle for a special screening of the feature-length documentary “Veterans’ Theatre,” presented as part of the international marathon “EMPOWERED UA” (“Culture Against War. Empowered”) in collaboration with the “Watch Ukrainian!” Association.
People at the event in Dingle. Photo by Olga DerevyankoThe film, Yulia Bolshynska’s directorial and cinematographic debut, documents combat veterans, wounded soldiers and combat medics recovering from trauma in an experimental production of “Aeneid,” directed by Olga Semoshkina.
The event was accompanied by a photo exhibition by renowned cinematographer and photographer Serhiy Mikhalchuk. Guests included Councillor Breandan Fitzgerald and MTU Professor Michael Hall.
There was also a film screening in Ballybunion Community Centre of the film “Borshch”. Participants enjoyed tasting traditional Ukrainian dishes, and discussions highlighted the beauty of Ukrainian embroidery and its resemblance to traditional Irish motifs. Scroll down for photos…
People at the gathering in Tralee. Photo by Olga Derevyanko
At the gathering in Tralee. Photo by Olga Derevyanko
At the gathering in Tralee. Photo by Olga Derevyanko
At the gathering in Tralee. Photo by Olga Derevyanko
At the gathering in Tralee. Photo by Olga Derevyanko
At the gathering in Tralee. Photo by Olga Derevyanko
There is too much coverage of Ukrainians here. There is no cultural policital historical links between Ireland and Ukraine. This is not of interest to the vast majority of Tralee people