SPRINGFIELD – The public is invited to a celebration of Springfield’s Ukrainian culture and community at an annual Ukrainian Day event hosted by the Nativity of the Mother of God Ukrainian Catholic Church. Festivities start at 11 a.m. on Saturday at 704 Aspen St.
According to Father Richard Janowicz of the Nativity Ukrainian Catholic Church, the event has been held annually since 1991. It started as a way to honor and celebrate Ukraine’s unique culture and support Springfield’s Ukrainian population.
A few dozen people are responsible for making the day possible, in addition to approximately 60 Veselka dancers who will perform twice throughout the day. The Veselka dancers range in age from five to their 20s. The first show is at 11 a.m., featuring a children’s show and a coming-of-age wreathing ceremony. At 2 p.m., the youth and senior Veselka dancers will join together in a performance.
The event will also include an iconography demonstration, a tour of the Nativity of the Mother of God Ukrainian Catholic Church, and traditional Ukrainian-style foods for purchase. People are encouraged to bring a blanket for a picnic-style dining experience while watching the performances.
Everyone is invited, no tickets are needed, and there is no admission fee. Janowicz said that between 300 and 500 people typically turn out to embrace the culture. The best way to support the event is to “Come and enjoy it, because then you’ll come back next year,” Janowicz said.
