Horsham's Ukrainian Folk Festival celebrates Ukraine's independence amid war with Russia

HORSHAM – Thousands got a glimpse into Ukraine’s rich culture Sunday afternoon as the 2024 Ukrainian Folk Festival entertained with music, dancing, food and art.

The festival was held at the Ukrainian-American Sports Center and celebrated the 33rd anniversary of Ukraine’s independence after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Youth dance groups delighted visitors with performances of Ukrainian folk dances, including HOPAK and Kolomiyka, while food stalls offered a range of ethnic foods, including borscht and kulish.

The vendors’ street garden offered a colorful selection of Ukrainian food, including embroidered shirts, biblical paintings and pysankas (elaborately decorated Ukrainian Easter eggs), as well as stalls from several Ukrainian organizations and charities.

1 from 4

Visitors examine the Ukrainian goods on offer in the merchant’s grove. (John Worthington – MediaNews Group)

Expand

The celebrations come more than two years after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Before the dance performances, speakers took to the main stage to deliver a message of hope and solidarity.

“On this joyful event and holiday, we can feel hope and joy for a reborn Ukraine that will continue to celebrate its independence in the years to come,” said festival organizer Natalia Tarasiuk.

“We will celebrate, but we will show the world who we are. Ukraine is under heavy attack. Ukraine’s defenders continue to fight, but we are losing many of them,” said festival organizer Gene Luciw.

Representatives of Pennsylvania’s congressional delegation also spoke and emphasized their firm commitment to the defense of Ukraine.

“Senator Casey has worked to secure over $175 billion in assistance for the Ukrainian people, including humanitarian and government aid,” said Teresa Dennis, Senator Bob Casey’s state director. “He is committed to ensuring Ukraine has all the resources it needs to win this war and defend its territory.”

“There are still some members of Congress who question our support and our alliance with Ukraine. But look at the last few weeks. Ukraine has proven that it can win this war and that it is still in this fight,” said Kyle Melander, district director for Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, R-1st District. “You can count on Congressman Fitzpatrick to reject the dissenting voices in the House.”

Following the speeches, the Ukrainian dance ensemble Voloshky performed the spring song Vesnianka, conveying the message that Ukraine is being rebuilt after the war, just as spring blooms after a cold winter.

“As ambassadors of this beautiful culture, whose people demonstrate passionate independence not only today but every day, we have much to be proud of,” Tarasiuk said.