Luxembourg hosts Ukrainian culture festival with cinema, concerts and more

The festival, organised by the non-profit LUkraine, will include exhibitions, talks, fashion shows, cinema and concerts across a number of venues.

Ukrainian culture is a rich tapestry of influences and traditions that span centuries, marking the country's history, resilience, and diversity. The iconic embroidered vyshyvankas, the eloquent poetry of Taras Shevchenko, the haunting melodies of bandura music, and the world-renowned Easter eggs (pysanky) have served as a beacon of national identity and unity, fostering a sense of belonging among the Ukrainian people.

In times of conflict and political upheaval since Russia's invasion, Ukrainian culture has proven to be a powerful tool for resistance. Luxembourg residents are invited to join in to learn more about the culture and history of this vibrant nation, which was gone through so much in the last 18 months.

For more information, visit https://uadays.lu/.

Programme highlights

June 5, 18:00 - 22:00

UA Days Opening Night: Extravaganza Show with Vasyl Popadiuk
Tramsschapp (49 Rue Ermesinde, 1469 Limpertsberg, Luxembourg)

"Extravaganza" by Oleksandr Teterin explores a universe of mythical creatures and characters from "The Forest Song" (1911), a fantasy play by Ukraine’s celebrated writer, Lesya Ukrainka. The renowned Ukrainian violinist, Vasyl Popadiuk, will inaugurate the event with the eponymous song, immersing the audience in a world of magical creatures. There will also be poetry readings in French to further enhance the captivating atmosphere of the event. Vasyl Popadiuk, dubbed the "Ukrainian Paganini," is acclaimed for his virtuosic violin playing and is the leading player in the PAPADUKE band. The ensemble is renowned for its fusion of Eastern European melodies with classic pop, rock, jazz, and traditional Slavic and gypsy music.

June 8 - September 1

Mariya Prymachenko Art Exhibition
Luxembourg City Museum (14 Rue du St Esprit, 1475 Ville-Haute Luxembourg, Luxembourg)

Maria Prymachenko, a remarkable self-educated Ukrainian artist of the 20th century, spent most of her life in a village in the Kyiv region. Yet her paintings captivated audiences worldwide: in Paris, Warsaw, Sofia, Montreal, Prague, and even Beijing. Maria Prymachenko's artistic legacy comprises more than 3,000 paintings. Rumor has it that Pablo Picasso admired the paintings of the Ukrainian artist and praised them as “beautiful works of a brilliant woman.”

On February 25, 2022, a Russian missile hit the museum in Ivankiv, where Maria Prymachenko's paintings were stored. Thanks to the efforts of Ukrainian volunteers and local residents, who were under occupation, the artist's collection was salvaged. In collaboration with the Maria Prymachenko Family Foundation, UA Days is honoured to present five of her masterpieces to the people of Luxembourg! The exhibition will remain open until September 1st.

June 7, 18:30

Ukrainian Vyshyvankas Defile
Ukrainian Designers Product Space (40 Rue Philippe II, 2340 Ville-Haute Luxembourg, Luxembourg)

Professional models, along with women from Luxembourg, will showcase vyshyvankas designed by Ukrainian designer Foberini, symbolizing the elegance of traditional clothing and the indomitable spirit of Ukrainians. Vyshyvanka, a component of the traditional Ukrainian wardrobe, is an emblem of rebellion and self-expression against oppression.

In 2015, Crimean Tatars who wore Ukrainian embroidered shirts on Vyshyvanka Day were unjustly detained by Russian special services and falsely accused of preparing a terrorist act. With the onset of the full-scale war initiated by Russia against Ukraine in 2022, Ukrainians fleeing their homes under Russian occupation went to great lengths to preserve their vyshyvankas as symbols of their identity, even risking their lives in the process.

June 11, 18:00 - 20:00
Charity meet-up with Irena Karpa “Ukrainian women: Resilience & Heritage”
Altrimenti (5 Av. Marie-Thérèse, 2132 Hollerich Luxembourg)

Irena Karpa is a celebrated feminist, Ukrainian writer, journalist, TV presenter, singer, and a member of PEN Ukraine. In the Ukrainian tradition, women have always held a prominent position as independent individuals, possessing nearly the same rights and freedoms as men. Today, Ukrainian women continue to play crucial roles: fighting on the front lines, representing Ukraine's interests internationally, volunteering, and standing up not only for their country but also for Europe and the principles of democracy against Russian aggression.

During the event, we will delve into the central image of women in Ukrainian culture, reflecting on its significant role deeply embedded in society. We will screen and discuss the documentary film "Oh, Sister!" which depicts the experiences of six courageous women in Ukraine confronting the challenges of the ongoing Russian invasion.