This weekend, as part of the national project “Side by Side: United Communities,” three communities—the Verkhivtsevka City Territorial Community, the Bozhidarivka Settlement Territorial Community, and the Ocheretynka Settlement Territorial Community—came together in a large family circle at the Vyshyvanka Festival in the village of Teplivka, Dnipropetrovsk Oblast.
The festival was held at a snail farm and became a true celebration of unity, resilience, and the strength of spirit of the Ukrainian people.
It was a day filled with Ukrainian traditions, a warm, friendly atmosphere of comfort, music, good food, and relaxation. With a moment of silence, everyone present honored the memory of those who made this day possible: our fallen heroes.
Then Teplivka came alive and was filled with a variety of embroidered shirts. Winners were selected in various categories: those who wore authentic or modern embroidered shirts, those who came as a whole family in embroidered shirts, and even the youngest participant in an embroidered shirt.
Interactive zones were organized for children and adults: engaging workshops, archery, scavenger hunts, and active games. Everyone could take picturesque photos as souvenirs in beautiful locations and photo zones.
At the fair, visitors could purchase unique items crafted by local artisans, as well as sample traditional Ukrainian delicacies and farm-fresh snail specialties.
Creative groups lifted the spirits of attendees with songs and dances. The highlight of the event was a vibrant performance by “Armonia,” an amateur group from the Ocheretine community. All funds raised at the festival will be donated to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The Ukrainian spirit cannot be broken as long as we know how to rejoice so sincerely, stand so firmly by one another, and believe in our future.
Based on materials from the Ocheretine Settlement Military Administration