Where is the Largest Pysanka?

Alberta is celebrating community spirit, all over the province this summer of 2013! From extremes in weather, to extremes in social and community volunteerism, Alberta has it all. And perhaps it is not too bold to say that this has to do with the people of Alberta.

Before there was Alberta though, the government of Canada under Sir Wilfred Laurier desired to populate western Canada with farmers, to add production to the country, and to solve the "railway problem" and to help pay the national debt. The young country enticed hard workers to settle the prairies. And since that time it is not too bold to say that Alberta has been generously sprinkled with Eastern European thought, work-ethic, spirituality and respect for culture and tradition. 

Over the last four decades, the Ukrainian idea couldn't exist anywhere else in the diaspora better than Alberta. Artisans and craftspeople, performing artists and entertainers, writers and thinkers for whom the Ukrainian idea resonates have cultivated a welcoming public here in Alberta.  In fact, the manner in which Alberta has welcomed Festivals, dance groups, performing artists and choral groups into its popular culture is unique.  And the Ukrainian Pysanka Festival In Vegreville, Alberta this weekend has it all.  

Just a half hour east of the Star-Edna settlement where Eleniak and Pylypiw first shepherded their families in 1891 with grand dreams for their Canadian adventure, the charming town of Vegreville, Alberta is celebrating its 40th Anniversary Pysanka Festival this July 5-6-7, 2013.

Four decades of music, community spirit, collaborations, international and local artists bumping shoulders, exchanging ideas, enjoying the Ukrainian idea continues to draw crowds.  The Ukrainian festival is a model now emulated in Ukrainian communities all over the diaspora - in North and South America for certain.  Hopefully you will plan to be in Vegreville this summer for the 40th Anniversary Pysanka Festival,  for the festivities, admission will be free!  But if you cannot, they have a brilliant gift for all of us! 

The Festival has a 40th anniversary CD composed of favorite selections from the Ukrainian Pysanka Festival's most loved performers over its 40 year history. Check out the details at www.pysankafestival.com.  Gotta get there and check out the trade show booths - so many new entrepreneurs to discover - so many new Ukrainian ideas to bring home!!  

Calgary's Ukrainian Festival - June 1-2, 2013

amk2012

June 1-2, 2013 is almost here! Calgary's Fourth Ukrainian Festival is upon us!   It's becoming a magnet event with representation from across Canada and beyond!  Performers, vendors, guests - and a terrific opportunity to bump into long lost friends!!

With so many award winning Ukrainian dance schools and other performers on stage, it is a constant riot of activity - the kids love having an audience and of course - culture and tradition get loads of applause!  Come for the culture, the traditions, the excitement of community! 

Browsing the vendors guarantees you gifts and trinkets, but even moreso, a new vocabulary of ethnic gift giving.  After all, helping your children appreciate their roots, their heritage, is such an important part of their future too!

Calgary is genuinely fascinated with its roots.  From the mythology involving cowboy hat and spurs, to the reason why grandad was a farm hand way back in the early 1900's Calgarians want to know how our wonderful city came to be.  After the 100th anniversary of the Calgary Stampede last year, we all see the value of connecting and creating, being a part of something that is bigger than ourselves alone! Coming to the Festival is just another way of "people watching", and appreciating their values, their interests, and their dreams!  We have a lot of "cultural capital" right here among community! 

You can enjoy the shows, meet esteemed and rising artists, performers whose talents may astound you, and possibly win a prize or two from the interesting sales booths that bring Ukrainian culture and the Ukrainian idea to eager purchasers.  Campaigning for heritage languages, folk culture, and public acknowledgement of the Ukrainian idea among Calgarians is simply a rite of Canadian passage. 

Wear your Ukrainian clothing!  Get the kids involved in the events!  Come for the shows and a meal!  Bring your camera, your cash and a good pair of walking shoes!  Enjoy the booths, comment on their wares and ask them to bring the stuff you need next time through, create a vibe with your family, friends and neighbors!  The Calgary Ukrainian Festival - version 4 - is bound to be a memorable event - will we see you there?? 

Don't forget the zabava, too!  Do  Zustichi!
Fourth Annual Calgary Ukrainian Festival!
Acadia Recreation Complex, 240 90 Avenue SE
http://www.calgaryukrainianfestival.ca



 

Pysanka Specialist Daena Diduck

Calgary's Breakfast Television hosted pysanka specialist Daena Diduck on  March 26, 2013.  Her pysanky have been featured at all of Calgary's 3 Ukrainian Festivals to date, and will again be displayed and instructed in June of 2013 at Calgary's Ukrainian Festival.

On the TV interview, she displayed the various special sizes of eggs to use besides
chicken eggs, pheasant, ostrich, goose and bantum chicken. Explaining the variety of traditional symbols employed, she highlighted that the writing of a pysanka is a gift - a gift of health and good will. Enjoy the video below and see Daena soon at the Festival!

Ukrainian Easter Eggs - Mar 26th (05:17)

It's the season to be artistic! Ukrainian egg decorator, Daena Diduck gives us a few simple ideas on how to decorate eggs for the holiday.



http://video.citytv.com/video/detail/2254935411001.000000/ukrainian-easter-eggs--mar-26th/