Ukrainian Dance and Food Event in Saskatoon, SK

The Vesna Festival Highlights Culture & Performers Like Pavlychenko

Jun 1, 2009

For Ukrainian dancing, food and culture, head to the Vesna Festival in Saskatoon, SK to see performances by groups such as Pavlychenko Folklorique Ensemble and Yevshan.

Saskatoon, SK is a hotbed of Ukrainian culture, events, dance and food. They all come together in the annual Vesna Festival held at the TCU Place downtown. Performances by companies like the semi-professional groups Pavlychenko Folklorique Ensemble and Yevshan Ukrainian Folk Ballet Ensemble are balanced with routines by children and aspiring Ukrainian dancers.

Ukrainian Dance

“If you look at the different nations and different nationalities, the dance actually talks,” says Serhij Koloriuk, Artistic Director of the Pavlychenko Folklorique Ensemble. And there is a lot of “talking” at the Vesna Festival.

For one weekend a year, Saskatonians and in-the-know travellers flock to TCU Place to both watch the dance schools and semi-professional Ukrainian dancers, as well as participate while the bands play traditional music.

Ukrainian Food

There is no good Ukrainian festival without good Ukrainian food. From 6:00 pm until 11:00 pm, the crowd gathers at the food line to order varenyky (perogies), holubtsi (cabbage rolls) and borscht. A complete meal, with a bun and veggies, can ring in under $10.00 CAD.

Café Kyiv (named for the capital city of the Ukraine) is clearly for after dinner. Those with a sweet tooth can drool over the desserts (not traditional Ukrainian treats), this year baked by Sliced Decadence (306-716-0115) and Calories Bakery & Restaurant (721 Broadway Avenue, 306-665-7991). Specialty coffee and tea are also available and all food is payable by cash only.

Ukrainian Culture

In between watching the Ukrainian dancing and getting a second plate of Ukrainian food, there is a boutique area where artwork, traditional clothing, music and souvenirs can be bought. Whether it’s decorated Ukrainian Easter eggs and colourful sashes or creative, handmade jewellery, vendors are happy to chat about their merchandise.

For the young ones, there’s a children’s corner with face painting, lots of sugary candy and activities run by the traditionally-dressed Kozak’s group. Overall, Vesna Festival sticks to its motto: The true expression of a Culture is in its Art, its Literature, its Food, its Music, and in its DANCE.

Ukrainian Festival

Possibly the best part about Vesna Festival (apart from the Ukrainian dancing and food, of course) is the multi-generational turnout. Teenagers are dressed up in suits and dresses, while grandparents encourage their children to get up on the dance floor.

Whole families spend the evening together eating, laughing and dancing. This is a much-anticipated event each year for Saskatonians, so travellers can take advantage and really experience an authentic cultural event in Saskatoon.

Please make sure to check with Vesna Festival regarding dates, ticket prices and Ukrainian dancers, as they change from year to year.

Saskatoon Travel

For assistance booking flights, hotel rooms and for travel advice, contact the folks at Tourism Saskatchewan (1-877-237-2273). The closest hotel is the Hilton Garden Inn (90 22nd Street East, 306-244-2311/1-877-STAY-HGI) across the street from TCU Place.

The copyright of the article Ukrainian Dance and Food Event in Saskatoon, SK in Saskatchewan Travel is owned by Lori Henry. Permission to republish Ukrainian Dance and Food Event in Saskatoon, SK in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.