The Ukrainian National Foundation’s Soyuzivka Heritage Centre was buzzing with Ukrainian folk song, Carpathian folk song, classical singing, traditional dance and modern hip hop music on July 10-12 for the 2026 Soyuzivka Ukrainian Festival, honouring Ukrainian culture and community.

The three-day festival attracted Ukrainian artists and the Ukrainian diaspora, such as Ukrainian hip-hop group TNMK, Ukrainian singer Anya Kosachevich, folk groups Cheres and Rodyna, Voda Voice and Roma Pryma Bohachevsky Ukrainian Dance Workshop participants.

The festival included music, food, vendors and activities, performances on the main stage and Veselka Patio Stage, a Saturday night dance and Sunday afternoon programming. Stephen Barankewicz, Managing Director and General Manager of Soyuzivka, said they had about 2,000 people in attendance.

While the festival was celebratory, it was also very much linked to the conflict in Ukraine.

The festival’s chairman of the entertainment committee, Yaroslav “Slawko” Palylyk, opened the Friday evening program, thanking volunteers, organisers and supporters. It was a chance to glorify the cultural heritage of the Ukrainian people, foster friendship and exchange traditions, he said.

He also urged the audience to keep in mind Ukrainians who stood up to Russia’s invasion of their territory.

“Today, especially remember those defending Ukraine, who are ensuring the freedom and independence of our homeland, ” he said. “Thanks to their courage, the Ukrainian spirit hasn’t been broken.”

Palylyk underscored the importance of maintaining the language, traditions and culture of Ukrainian Americans for future generations. Ukrainian culture is alive wherever Ukrainian hearts are, he said.

Natalia Kukil-Moroz and Andrij Dobriansky, both bilingual, led the program, ensuring it was accessible in Ukrainian and English and fostering a sense of community and culture.

The stage program began with a traditional Ukrainian welcoming dance “Pryvit” from the Roma Pryma Bohachevsky Ukrainian Dance Workshop. Ania Bohachevsky-Lonkevych leads the workshop, which is designed for the intermediate and advanced levels of dancers to practice intensive sessions of ballet, Ukrainian folk dance and character dance.

Over 50 participants danced during the Saturday programme, representing various regions and times from Ukrainian folk dancing. Among the repertoire was a Zakarpattia medley choreographed by Roman Lewkowicz. Many of the dances were known by the generations of previous Soyuzivka campers, strengthening the theme of the festival to pass culture down from one generation to the next.

The vocal group Rodyna went on to sing Ukrainian folk songs, Lemko melodies and modern songs. The group called itself “a family united by song,” and wanted the audience to sing and dance along.

Cheres then took the stage with the music of the Carpathian region: Bukovynian and Hutsul melodies were played on violin and accordion, on pipes and on other traditional instruments. The audience applauded, cheered and danced in appreciation of their energetic performance.

Soprano Anya Kosachevich presented a different musical sound, making a repertoire of Ukrainian composer Myroslav Skoryk. Kosachevich described Soyuzivka as a part of her life since childhood, as she was a first-generation Ukrainian American from New Jersey.

Next came the modern version of the songs, set to contemporary music arrangements by Voda Voice, such as “Лети, пісне” and “Не ламай калину.” The group was also acknowledged for its work with children and families in Ukraine who are impacted by the war. She concluded by saying “Slava Ukraini!” which was responded to by the audience saying “Heroyam slava!”.

Saturday began with the presentation of the colours and recognition of Ukrainian American Veterans and U.S. service members and those who had served in Ukraine.

Ukrainian National Foundation’s Board of Directors president Roman Hirniak commented on the ongoing assault by Russia on Ukrainian cities, schools, hospitals and civilians. Ukrainians are fighting for a free, democratic and independent country, he said.

“Ukraine will win,” he said to the audience.

Hirniak also talked about Soyuzivka’s contribution to the preservation of Ukrainian life in North America. The Ukrainian National Foundation, the owner of the heritage centre, promotes the Ukrainian language, traditions and culture. Soyuzivka is a place where a child learns who he is and where he comes from, he explained.

Prior to the recognition of the performers on the stage, the Saturday showcase repeated and expanded the dance workshop’s shows, Rodyna, Cheres, Kosachevich and Voda Voice.

Then, instead of classical Ukrainian music and dance, the evening was devoted to modern Ukrainian music: the best-known Ukrainian hip-hop group TNMK appeared on stage.

Over 40 vendors and programming took place from Friday evening to Sunday afternoon at the 2026 festival, which drew visitors from the New York/New Jersey/New Connecticut area and beyond in North America.

The festival showed over the weekend that Ukrainian culture is not in the past. Children and young people danced dances, which were composed decades ago; families sang traditional songs; musicians kept alive the echoes of the Carpathians and contemporary artists introduced Ukrainian music to new generations.

The celebration was tinged with additional purpose in the ongoing Russian war against Ukraine. Soyuzivka provided a reminder of the significance of supporting Ukraine, honouring its defenders, and ensuring the strength of Ukrainian language and culture for future generations through music, dance and community.