Vesna Festival: Ukrainian Dance in Saskatoon, SK

Pavlychenko Folklorique Ensemble at the Vesna Festival of Ukrainian dance in Saskatoon, SK (Canada)

One of the largest Ukrainian dance events in Canada is the Vesna Festival in Saskatoon, SK. With the motto, “The true expression of a culture is in its art, its literature, its food, its music and in its dance,” I knew I had to get on a plane. These were my kind of people.

Ukrainian culture in Saskatoon is thriving. The TCU Centre was packed with people of Ukrainian descent and those who are smart enough to know that partying with them is always a good time.

The entertainment for the night was a great mix of youngsters, aspiring dancers and professional Ukrainian dance groups from Saskatoon.

The highlights were clearly the late-night professional groups of Pavlychenko Folklorique Ensemble and Yevshan, although the young kids were so enthusiastic and having so much fun, that they deserve much credit.

Paul of the Kosaks group dressed as a Ukrainian Hedman at the Vesna Festival in Saskatoon, SK (Canada)

Have I mentioned the food yet? A dinner buffet opens with the doors at 6:00 pm and goes until 10:00 pm. Line ups are long but worth it for a Ukrainian dinner that’s under $15 CAD.

Varenyky (perogies), holubtsi (cabbage rolls), kovbasa (sausages), and borscht were inhaled by the large crowd, while the Café Kyiv (strictly for desserts) had some non-traditional but delicious-looking treats by Calories Bakery & Restaurant (721 Broadway Avenue, 306-665-7991) and Sliced Decadence Designer Cakes (306-716-0155).    

Vendors sold their Ukrainian wares including many fancy eggs, colourful sashes and religious objects. Over at the kid’s corner, face painting and sugar candy took centre stage, while men dressed as Kozaks added history by chatting happily with the crowd.

Vendors at the Vesna Festival of Ukrainian dance in Saskatoon, SK (Canada)

What I liked:

• Ukrainian or not, you’re guaranteed to have a good time at the Vesna Festival. I think it might be impossible not to.
• The teenagers were just as excited to be there as the kids and adults, making for a nice multi-generational event.
• The casual food was filling and delicious.
• Almost every single person I saw throughout both nights was smiling and then would head to the dance floor when the music started playing.
• There was a room dedicated to Ukrainian dance history in Canada and a display for each of the participating dance schools.  

Tags: canada, Pavlychenko Folklorique Ensemble, saskatoon sk, TCU Centre, Ukrainian culture, Ukrainian Dance, Ukrainian dance groups, Vesna Festival, Yevshan