"Northern Star 2025" festival: see the photos!

Dear friends, find your photos from the festival via this link!

The Northern Star 2025 | Põhjatäht 2025 festival is over, but the emotions are still with us! It is an event that unites us Ukrainians in Estonia and reminds us: we are one big family. In every song performed at the festival and in every dance on stage, the Ukrainian soul lived and the great Ukrainian heart beat!

That is why, opening this year's festival, the chairman of the Association Volodymyr Palamar stressed that the "Northern Star" festival is a symbol of a light that does not go out even in the darkest times.

"Today, while a brutal war is raging in Ukraine, waged against us by the aggressor state Russia, every event like this has a special meaning.

We are not just singing and dancing – we are preserving our identity, our culture, our memory.

When a Ukrainian song sounds, our spirit sounds; when a Ukrainian dance is performed, our freedom is on show.

When our artists take the stage with the Ukrainian word, it is proof that Ukraine cannot be broken," he said.

On behalf of the Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of Estonia , the Embassy's First Secretary Inna Bibyk addressed everyone present. She noted that culture is our weapon, carrying the truth, beauty and strength of spirit of the Ukrainian people, which is why such cultural events are so important!

"The Northern Star festival is the living energy of the Ukrainian soul, resounding in songs and dances, coming alive in the colours of the costumes and the smiles of the children, and in the inspiration of the performers who carry their love for Ukraine into the world," she said.

Ms Inna thanked the festival organisers, teachers of Ukrainian schools, heads of creative groups, parents and volunteers – everyone whose work and enthusiasm help nurture Ukrainian culture in Estonia.

"Your dedication, your talent and your love for your homeland are the light that overcomes any darkness"

We thank Estonian society, the Ministry of Culture of Estonia Kultuuriministeerium, and the Integration Foundation Integratsiooni Sihtasutus for their support and for standing with us in these difficult times.

We thank the festival organisers: Anastasiia Kozachok (Ukrainian Youth Association in Estonia and chief choreographer of the Ukrainian song and dance ensemble "Volya"), Yevhen Novokhatnii – artistic director of Ukrainian song and dance group "Volya", Anna Shulika (Prosvita - Ukrainian Cultural and Educational Society in Estonia)!

Heartfelt thanks to all the ensembles, their leaders and performers who put their hearts into this. You help preserve Ukrainian culture and pass it on to new generations – even far from our native land.

Special thanks for the photos to Oleksandr Storozhuk! Find yourself in the photos and share them on your social media!