On May 24, the Festival of National Minorities of Ukraine “UNIDAY” was held in Kyiv on the occasion of the Day of Interethnic Harmony and Cultural Diversity. The event was organized by the Council of National Communities of Ukraine with the support and assistance of the Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights, the Council of Europe Office, the European House Foundation and the State Service for Ethnic Policy and Freedom of Conscience.
The event brought together representatives of more than 45 national communities. The program included performances by creative groups, master classes, presentations of national cuisine, sports competitions, and social initiatives to support military personnel of different ethnic backgrounds who are defending Ukraine.
As part of UNIDAY, the Federation of Greek Societies of Ukraine presented an island of Ukrainian Hellenism at the Panair Greek Culture Festival. This space immersed guests in the life, traditions, art and cuisine of the Greeks of Ukraine.
A special place among the Greek community is occupied by the Greeks of Azovia. This is the third largest ethnic group in Donetsk Oblast and the largest center of compact Greek residence in Ukraine. They are also active participants in the cultural life of the Donetsk region. Even before the full-scale invasion, they participated in many cultural and artistic projects, including Ethno-Weekend.
Unfortunately, due to military aggression, many representatives of national communities were forced to leave their small homeland. However, we always believe that they will definitely return home, will be able to live freely again and develop our multinational community on peaceful Ukrainian soil.
The UNIDAY festival has once again confirmed that cultural diversity is the strength of Ukraine that unites it in difficult times. It has become a platform for intercultural dialogue, preservation of the heritage of national communities and the unity of our country.