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Since the 1880s, Ukrainian cultural heritage in Canada has been and continues to be reflected in the performing and fine arts. By the early 1950’s, approximately 84,000 Ukrainians resided in Ontario. Toronto became the new “Ukrainian capital”. They made significant marks in every facet of Ontario life by contributing to the local communities. The Ukrainian community took the incredible opportunity that Ontario presented to it – to live, work and raise families in peace and become part of Ontario’s societal fabric – and has succeeded. The Toronto Ukrainian Festival is a celebration of the Canadian Ukrainian cultural contributions in Toronto.

 

The Festival was born in 1995 as the result of the twinning of Toronto and Kyiv. It then came under the umbrella of Ukrainian Canadian Congress Toronto Branch as one of its projects.  While attendance in the first year was estimated at 3,000, within ten years the Festival has grown to attract audiences of 350,000.

 

The Toronto Ukrainian Festival is a celebration of Toronto’s diversity. It has established itself as one of the premier Ukrainian festivals in North America. The Festival takes pride in showcasing contemporary professional and amateur artists and performers of Ukrainian heritage who celebrate Ukrainian culture through music, dance and visual arts.

 

Throughout its thirteen year history, the Festival has hosted Prime Ministers, federal, provincial and municipal politicians. The annual parade has been honoured with Festival Parade Marshals such media celebrities Luba Goy, Ted Woloshyn, actress Mimi  Kuzyk, community activist Marika Szkambara, former Ontario Education Minister Gerard Kennedy, former Prime Minister John Turner, Senator Raynell Andreychuk, Mississauga News Publisher Ron Lenyk and Canada’s rock n roll legend Randy Bachman.

The Festival stage has been host to a number of popular performers, including Rusalana, Vopli Vidopliasova, Vasyl Popadiuk, Desna Dance Company of Toronto, Pid Oblachkom, Kubasonics, The Ukrainians, Arkan Dance Company, Barvinok, and many more.

The Festival provides an opportunity for numerous organizations to showcase themselves through the parade, stage or kiosk areas: for example - The Canadian Armed Forces, university student clubs, Scotiabank Run, The Ukrainain Collective of Artists, dance groups, choirs, karate clubs, sports clubs as well as local, municipal and federal politicians.

The Ukrainian Canadian community in Canada is made up of over 4 million people who trace their heritage to Ukraine and have been part of the Canadian mosaic for over 128 years. The community is well known and respected. As a result the Festival attracts diverse audiences with multi generational families not only from the GTA, but from all parts of Canada, the USA and
abroad. Repeat visitors are a mainstay of the Festival. We know this from hotel bookings at our host hotel - The Four Points Sheraton and the Old Mill Inn, letters to our website, reports from local businesses and street vendors.

The Festival has a Board of Directors and an Organizing committee that come from all walks of life thereby bringing many diverse experiences and ideas to the table. Some of them participate as volunteers in other festivals such as Harbourfront and the Toronto Film Festival increasing the pool of knowledge as well as in industry meetings, seminars, tourism conferences and meetings.
The Toronto Ukrainian Festival is a member of Ontario Tourism, Tourism Toronto, Festival and Events Ontario, SOCAN and The Ukrainian Canadian Congress, Toronto Branch.
 

Festival Objectives:

 

       - Promote and foster Ukrainian culture and traditions as integral elements of Canada's multicultural mosaic;

       - Provide a venue for Canadians of Ukrainian heritage to reacquaint themselves with their rich roots;

       - Introduce Ukrainian culture to the general Canadian public and tourists thereby encouraging tolerance, understanding and

           goodwill between all segments of Canadian society;

       - Create a free event that's fun for the whole family and across all age groups and socioeconomic backgrounds

 

© 1996-2010 Toronto Ukrainian Festival