Ottawa is the heart of Canada, a vast and diverse city known for its architecture, history, and cultural heritage, shaped over many years by different immigrant communities. As the capital of Canada, Ottawa hosts numerous cultural events, fairs, and festivals annually, celebrating the country’s multicultural heritage.
Among these cultural celebrations, one event stands out—the Ukrainian Festival. This festival of Ukrainian culture, traditions, and customs has become deeply rooted in Ottawa’s cultural landscape, especially within the city’s Ukrainian community.
The Ukrainian Festival in Ottawa is an annual spectacle featuring traditional Ukrainian music, food, and performances, transporting guests from Canada’s capital straight to Ukraine.
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History of the Ukrainian Festival in Ottawa
The history of Ukrainian culture and traditions in Ottawa is incredibly rich and deeply rooted. It all began with the first Ukrainian immigrants who arrived in Canada’s capital in the early 20th century, bringing with them their culture, traditions, food, music, and customs.
Over the decades, a large Ukrainian diaspora formed, and Ukrainian culture became an integral part of Ottawa’s identity. The city saw the establishment of Ukrainian cultural and educational institutions, while Ukrainians contributed to Ottawa’s business and cultural landscape.
Today, in the 21st century, approximately 25,000 Ukrainians live in Ottawa, and the city hosts an annual Ukrainian cultural festival.
Despite the longstanding presence of the Ukrainian community in Ottawa, the Ukrainian Festival is a relatively young event. The first festival was held in 2015. Compared to other capital city festivals, the event initially remained small and was primarily intended for the local Ukrainian diaspora.
Festival Highlights
For years, the Ukrainian Festival in Ottawa has been celebrating Ukrainian culture and traditions. It takes place every August, coinciding with Ukraine’s Independence Day. The festival venue changes annually, ensuring that more members of the Ukrainian community, local Ottawans, and tourists have the opportunity to attend.
The festival features:
- Exhibitions showcasing Ukrainian art, including paintings, sculptures, and photography.
- Concerts and performances by theatrical and musical groups.
- A Ukrainian marketplace, where visitors can enjoy traditional Ukrainian cuisine and purchase Ukrainian souvenirs.
Over the years, the festival has grown significantly, attracting not only Ottawa’s Ukrainian diaspora but also locals eager to explore Ukrainian culture.
The Importance of the Festival Amidst the Russo-Ukrainian War
With the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, Ottawa saw a new wave of Ukrainian migrants. As of 2023, their number has reached approximately 10,000.
For many newcomers, adjusting to life in a new country can be overwhelming—finding support networks, friendships, jobs, and a sense of belonging is not always easy. In 2022–2023, the Ukrainian Festival became a vital community space where displaced Ukrainians could feel at home, speak their native language, enjoy traditional food, and listen to familiar music.
In 2023, the Ukrainian Festival in Ottawa took on even greater significance, not only for the Ukrainian community but for all residents of the city. The festival aimed to tell the story of Ukrainian resilience, strength, and the triumph of light over darkness. Its program focused on the unifying and healing power of art.
In 2023, the festival was held at Lansdowne Park in Ottawa and included several key events:
- A war-themed photo exhibition.
- An exhibit of military artifacts brought from Ukraine.
- A performance by the Moscow Ukrainian Children’s Choir, featuring 20 young singers who traveled from Ukraine.
- A piano recital by Yuriy Derkach.
- A cello performance by Olena Hapei, accompanied by pianist Liko Yamane.
- A solo performance by pianist Anna Stoyanova.
- A musical showcase by singer-songwriter Denys Onysimov.
- An exhibition of works by Ottawa-based artist Oleksandra Tytarenko.
- A collection of powerful photographs by Ukrainian photojournalist and filmmaker Yevhen Maloletka.
This event is not only important to the Ukrainian diaspora but also to political figures who support Ukraine. In the context of the Russo-Ukrainian War, politicians have expressed solidarity with Ukraine and its people, providing both humanitarian aid and military assistance.
The significance of the festival for Ottawa’s political scene is evident in the high-profile visits from Canadian officials. At the 2023 festival, notable guests included:
- Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe.
- Rideau-Vanier Councillor Stéphanie Plante.
- Kanata–Carleton MP Jenna Sudds.
- Ontario opposition members Lisa MacLeod and John Fraser.
Through this annual celebration, Ukrainians far from home can experience unity, support, and cultural pride, even in the most challenging times.