An Overstuffed Pierogi of Colourful Culture, The Capital Ukrainian Festival Returns Bigger and Better Than Ever

After last year, one might ask programmers of the Capital Ukrainian Festival how they could possible cram any more into their three days of vibrant culture, tasty food and world-class entertainment? The programmers of said festival would then pause, take a moment to breathe in 2017 and then say “here, hold my pierogi” before barrelling headlong into 2018!

The festival is coming off an amazing 2017 having been named one of the top 100 events in Ontario, one of the top 7 in Ottawa added to the event already being a finalist for an Ottawa Tourism Award in both 2015 and 2016. To say the fourth edition of the event is as scrumptiously stuffed as one of Ukraine’s most popular meal offerings is an understatement. Festival President, Jane Kolbe and her team, have taken the most successful elements from festival’s past and expanded upon them in an effort to include more creative programming and delicacies alongside a bevy of history and multidisciplinary artistic experiences.

How about 500 performers hitting the stage in some capacity over three days to start? Nearly half of that will be represented by Ottawa talent with the rest making the trip from across Canada, the United States and Ukraine. While the usual colourful flare of the various Ukrainian dance troupes and lively musical performances can be expected, new this year will be the integration of operatic and chamber music concerts. Though the festival experimented with the idea in the second year, more recent couplings with the Ottawa Chamberfest have given organizers a chance to take a look at bringing classical music back.

“We would like to expand and experiment with having more Ukrainian classical artists perform at the 2018 festival,” says Kolbe promising that the 2018 Capital Ukrainian Festival will feature not just chamber music but also classical music, sacred music, and operatic concerts by Canadian artists as well as various multicultural performances.

Ensuring once again that the entertainment really does not let up, a second stage inside a tent will see the return of Village Voices. Created more to compliment the main stage, this area will house a live radio broadcast, smaller shows and a more relaxed vibe for both performers and audience. It also serves as a collaboration area where artists can join their contemporaries and possibly unearth a new sound, dance or other creative endeavour.

“This is also a place where visitors can participate and learn about the Ukrainian culture,” explains Kolbe adding that she hopes to see the Village Voices area become one where artists create new music and discover new friends and networks.

We know what you’re thinking: what about the food? You can’t have a Ukrainian party without the smoked garlic sausage, borshch, cabbage rolls and, of course, the varenyky (pierogies) but this year the festival is spicing up the palate with even more traditional tastes. While the full range of menu items is being kept under wraps for now, organizers have revealed cuisine workshops and demonstrations celebrity chef, Tim Wasylko, will be part of bringing these authentic recipes from their kitchens to your taste buds. Wash it all down with mead wine or a glass of cold, crisp Lvivske 1715, a pilsner that traces its roots to a 300-year-old monastic brewery in Lviv. Don’t forget that some of the world’s best Vodka comes from Ukraine, the birthplace of Vodka, and those libations will be available too.

It’s not just the food that is getting the workshop and demo treatment. Kolbe highlights that the 2018 festival “will continue to offer a strong cultural program consisting of several activities that reflects a living and vibrant Ukrainian and Ukrainian Canadian culture.” These include making Ukrainian Easter eggs (always popular with the kids), making traditional flowered wreaths, and wheat weaving, a practice which dates back to ancient times.

“Some of these represent the lost arts which will be animated throughout the festival by local artists,” says Kolbe.

One of the things organizers are most excited about is the arrival of Love Letters from the Past, a touring exhibit by the Kule Folklore Centre that highlights courtship, companionship and family in the Ukrainian Canadian Community. Using actual letters, memories, family photographs and various publications, visitors will learn how relationships evolved and a culture flourished in both rural and urban environments.

Speaking of love, Ukrainians love to dance and so do those attending a Ukrainian festival! Feedback form the last three years have found visitors wanting to take part in more dance workshops. If you’ve seen any of the stage dancers, you’ll know these dances are not easy but the Festival hopes to give you a zabava primer with pop up demonstrations that will get you off your chair and into a polka party!

Children will enjoy a visit to the petting zoo and, afterwards, can participate in crafts and songs too. Wee ones will learn how to make a montanka doll or bracelets in the colours of Ukraine. They can also perhaps pick up a new language with lessons from experienced teachers.

Also returning is the Yarmarok (marketplace). More than 20 vendors from Toronto, Montreal and Ukraine will be on hand with traditional jewellery, clothing, food and more. There will bustling activities both inside and outside the church including choral performances and tours of the beautiful St. John the Baptist Ukrainian Catholic Shrine.

“Visitors will be able to learn the rich history of the Byzantine style icons which adorn the walls, admire the detailed stained glass windows and beauty of the screened altar, and enjoy peace and relaxation with the world’s most beautiful music performed live,” says Kolbe.

Whether coming for the music, the food, or simply to experience the friendly and lively culture, The Capital Ukrainian Festival’s ever growing three days of activities and entertainment continues to be one of the highlights of the summer festival season.

See for yourself when the festival returns to 952 Green Valley Crescent from July 20-22! capitalukrainianfestival.com