Vyshyvanka Day celebrated at the Estonian Open Air Museum in Tallinn – a symbol of resilience and identity

"Vyshyvanka Unites" is not just the name of the festival, but the true essence of what we all created together in Tallinn on 18 May.

On Sunday, Ukrainians and Estonians gathered in the heart of the city to celebrate Vyshyvanka Day – a day that wove together our traditions, songs, dances, family warmth, children's laughter, the smell of Ukrainian food and the unbreakable spirit embroidered in each of us. We are glad to share a wonderful report by the ETV+ channel, which not only conveys the festive atmosphere but also shows how important it is for us to be together, to support one another, and to preserve and cherish our culture – even far from home.

The Vyshyvanka celebration was held on a grand scale, and the gloomy weather did not put the guests off. Ukrainian national colour was felt everywhere: from the participants' costumes to the food and music tents. "The mood is simply wonderful. As for the weather – well, it's the Baltic. But our costumes create cosiness and joy and bring light," says festival guest Svitlana. "We waited a long time for this celebration. This is the third year in a row we have come here from Narva, and we are very glad that so many fellow Ukrainians gather here," said festival guest Iryna.

The vyshyvanka is not just a piece of clothing; it is a symbol of Ukrainian national identity. Its ornaments can tell a whole story: who the person is, where they come from and what they want to say to others. "It is a kind of code through which they communicate with the world – a cultural code. It is a way to recognise a person on the street. Not everyone walks around with flags. But if someone is wearing a vyshyvanka, Ukrainians come up: 'Oh, are you from Ukraine?' – Welcome!" says festival guest Denys Priimägi. The vyshyvanka is in fashion not only on holidays. Ukrainian fashion lovers have long made it part of their everyday wardrobe. "I have friends who rework their grandmothers' vyshyvankas and give them a new life. They keep them, remake them and create new looks – sewing them into dresses, for example," said festival guest Olha Makarchenko.

Where there is a vyshyvanka, there is always borscht and varenyky. "We offer our guests Ukrainian borscht. It is our pride. Our national dish. It seems that in every home every Ukrainian eats borscht every day. Today we cooked it overnight," said Tetiana Chaikovska, co-owner of Multi Cook. Borscht always comes with salo. "Salo is a very healthy product. Especially for women. If you eat a small piece of salo every day, in the evening and during the day, your skin will be wonderful, smooth and wrinkle-free," explained festival guest Nataliia.

In the folk art corner, for example, ribbons are woven into braids. In the old days, every ribbon colour had a symbolic meaning. "White was put on last. However many ribbons there were, it had golden embroidery. It is the colour of the family line we all come from: grandmothers, grandfathers, great-grandmothers, great-grandfathers. We all have our ancestry, and this ribbon was the last one," explained craftswoman Yuliia Shevchenko.

The motanka doll is one of the oldest Ukrainian protective charms. People believed it protected against the evil eye and misfortune. It was made from scraps of fabric. Traditionally, no face was drawn on a motanka. "A motanka has no facial features. It is a doll without a name, so as not to attract anything known to it. It is like a blank sheet for us," says craftswoman Inna Yurchenko.

Times change, but people still believe in good omens. The doll carries hope for something better. "For our soldiers I sewed in a slip of paper with a wish only for protection – a guardian angel to keep them from harm. A doll can be programmed only for good. For light, love and joy," added Inna Yurchenko.

Editor: Nadiia Bersenieva
Source: "Horizont"

Thank you to everyone who was with us!
Strength is in unity.