On May 21, the center of Vienna will turn into a space of Ukrainian culture, music, and living tradition. Thousands of Ukrainians in embroidered shirts (vyshyvankas) will take part in a ceremonial march from Maria-Theresien-Platz to Michaelerplatz to jointly mark the 20th anniversary of Vyshyvanka Day, the traditional Ukrainian embroidered shirt.
This year’s Vyshyvanka March will become one of the largest Ukrainian cultural events in Austria. It is being organized through the cooperation of 36 Ukrainian and Austrian organizations, including Paneuropabewegung Österreich and Unlimited Democracy – Association for the Promotion of Democratization.
The main symbol of the event will be a 165-meter-long “Towel of Victory,” which is already on its way to Vienna. But this is only the beginning of its story.
Later this year, the towel will be joined with a second part — a 700-meter-long towel that Ukrainians managed to save during the Russian occupation of the city of Kherson. After being united and further extended, the textile is planned to reach one kilometer in length and be submitted to the World Records Book as the largest embroidered towel in the world. This towel is being embroidered by Ukrainians and people from different countries around the world. More than 15 countries have already joined the initiative. Its goal is to unite people through art, where every thread and every stitch comes from the heart to the heart and brings hope for a brighter future. The towel can already be seen in a video via the link: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DP_2IzLDHyN/?igsh=MWI3OTFnMDNscmF1Yw==
Along with the towel, participants of the march will carry a 30-meter-long Ukrainian flag.
After the march, a large Ukrainian cultural festival will begin at Michaelerplatz. Guests will be able to see rare Ukrainian artifacts, traditional costumes, and works of art that have been passed down through generations for centuries.
One of the key highlights will be the presentation of a unique collection of Ukrainian “vybiyka” (traditional block-print textile art) by artist Karina Hayeva, gathered from different parts of the world. From Vienna, this collection will begin its international tour.
Vybiyka is an ancient Ukrainian textile decoration technique dating back to the times of Kyivan Rus. Patterns are manually applied to fabric using carved wooden blocks, and each ornament preserves traces of ancient Ukrainian symbolism.
Visitors will also see a collection of authentic Ukrainian traditional clothing from the private collection of Bohdan Shutka, a musician and collector who has spent many years preserving and restoring historical garments from different regions of Ukraine.
A special place in the program will be given to the bandura — a legendary Ukrainian musical instrument with dozens of strings, whose sound is unmistakable anywhere in the world. The art of Ukrainian kobzars (traditional performers of historical epic songs) playing the kobza and bandura is recognized as part of UNESCO cultural heritage and is one of Ukraine’s most renowned musical traditions.
The stage will feature the well-known Vienna-based Ukrainian choir Barbareum, Ukrainian performers, and the festival will combine live music, traditional clothing, folk art, and contemporary Ukrainian culture.
Organizers will be happy to welcome Austrians in traditional Austrian dirndls and guests from other countries in their national attire as a symbol of friendship between cultures.
Program of the event
18:00 — gathering of participants at Maria-Theresien-Platz
18:30 — start of the Vyshyvanka March
19:30 — Ukrainian cultural festival at Michaelerplatz
The event will be a vivid opportunity for Austrian audiences to get closer to Ukrainian culture and the Ukrainian community in Vienna. The organizers are open to cooperation with Austrian media and will be happy to accredit journalists for coverage of the event.
Photo: Canva