In Cardiff, the capital of Wales, a heartwarming celebration brought joy to Ukrainian children who had to leave their homeland due to the ongoing war. Organized by volunteers and supported by the local Ukrainian community, the event aimed to provide children with a sense of joy and connection to their cultural heritage.
Saint Nicholas, known in Ukraine as Sviati Mykolai, visited the event to bring smiles to the children’s faces. His arrival was greeted with traditional Ukrainian songs performed by the children. Each child received a gift prepared by local volunteers and enjoyed traditional Ukrainian Christmas dishes, including Kutia — a sweet wheat-based dish made with honey, dried fruits, nuts, and poppy seeds.
The celebration was particularly significant for children who have been unable to experience Ukrainian traditions due to the war. “I want our Ukrainian children to have real Ukrainian fun and keep some of our Christmas traditions alive,” said Olena Koliubaieva, a mother of one of the children participating in the event. “Many children came here very young and don’t remember what Ukrainian Christmas means.”
Older children staged a Vertep — a traditional Ukrainian Christmas play symbolizing the triumph of spring over winter. The event also featured craft workshops, performances by local artists, and various entertaining activities for children. The entire program aimed to preserve Ukrainian culture and create positive memories for families displaced by the war.
The event was made possible through the efforts of many individuals. It was organized by Labour MS Mick Antinow, who invited Saint Nicholas from the Ukrainian Community Centre in Reading. Local officials, including MS Jane Hutt and Councillor Julie Sangani, attended the event to show their support for the Ukrainian community.
Despite the festive atmosphere, Ukrainian families continue to face significant challenges. Olena Koliubaieva expressed her concerns about her relatives still in Ukraine, where the situation remains dire with ongoing attacks and power outages. She shared how difficult it is to follow the news and worry about loved ones.
The primary goal of the event was to remind children that, even during challenging times, there is room for joy and hope. “This event is about more than just gifts,” said Helen McAdie, the lead volunteer at the Cardiff Ukraine Hub. “It’s about preserving traditions and showing children that, even in difficult times, joy and warmth can be found in community.”
The Saint Nicholas celebration in Cardiff was a significant step in supporting the Ukrainian community in Wales. Thanks to the dedication of volunteers and local authorities, Ukrainian children were able to immerse themselves in a festive atmosphere, reconnect with their cultural traditions, and create new happy memories.
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