Lamps, ribbons, and a memorial walk: an event dedicated to Vyshyvanka Day took place in Odesa

On May 21, Odesa celebrated Vyshyvanka Day, during which the city’s residents took part in the “Embroidered Ribbon of Memory” commemorative event. The event brought together the families of fallen soldiers, volunteers, and concerned Odessans to honor the memory of Ukraine’s fallen defenders.

Intent photojournalist Natalia Dovbysh captured the event in photographs.

The event was organized by the public organization “Family of Angels of Light.” The event began on the Alley of Heroes in Taras Shevchenko Park, where participants wearing embroidered shirts held a memorial ceremony, observed a minute of silence, and decorated the memorials of fallen soldiers with embroidered ribbons of remembrance, accompanied by music.

<picture></picture>PHOTO: Natalia Dovbysh/Intent

During the event, poems were recited, background music played, and everyone had the opportunity to take a photo next to the portraits of their heroes. After the ceremony, the participants marched in a commemorative procession titled “I’m Walking for the Hero” through the central streets of Odesa.

The event concluded at European Square near the national memorial, where participants lit candles in memory of the fallen Ukrainian soldiers. The organizers emphasized that the main goal of the event was to preserve national memory, support the families of the defenders, and unite Ukrainians around a shared memory.

<picture></picture>PHOTO: Natalia Dovbysh/Intent

World Vyshyvanka Day is an international holiday that aims to preserve the ancient folk traditions of creating and wearing traditional embroidered Ukrainian clothing. It is observed on the third Thursday of May each year. The holiday is not tied to any state or religious holiday. Anyone can participate by wearing an embroidered shirt.

<picture></picture>PHOTO: Natalia Dovbysh/Intent

This holiday was launched in 2006 by students at Chernivtsi National University who decided to simply wear embroidered shirts for a day as a sign of respect for tradition. The idea quickly spread throughout the country and even abroad. Today, Vyshyvanka Day is celebrated not only in Ukraine but also by Ukrainians all over the world, from Canada to Australia.

<picture></picture>PHOTO: Natalia Dovbysh/Intent

As Intent reported, last year, about a hundred people gathered at European Square, where they organized a photo shoot in traditional costumes. Afterward, the participants set off on a march.

Анна Бальчінос