“To Ukraine from Ukrainians”

This year’s Tapa Town Day was once again filled with Ukrainian colours. Our compatriots showed residents and guests their national culture – dances, songs, poetry and cuisine – in a special programme, “To Ukraine from Ukrainians”, supported by the local government and the management of the House of Culture.

Luckily, nature took pity on us: the curtain of rain that had lasted from morning until two in the afternoon suddenly vanished, bathing the square around the House of Culture in bright sunshine, and with it the audience’s mood changed – within five minutes they filled the whole space in front of the stage.

One after another, ensembles and soloists took the stage, worthily representing the Association of Ukrainian Organisations in Estonia: the ensemble “Berehynia” of the society “Koit” (led by Viacheslav Reznichenko, accompanist Liudmyla Odes), the trio “Kumasi” led by Iryna Solomatina and, finally, Tapa’s guest of honour – the dance group “KOLOR” led by Nina Hets, with Iryna Solomatina as soloist today. People gratefully received every performance; one could feel a special attitude towards Ukrainians, as in every number they showed sincere love for Ukraine despite the various circumstances we have all faced in these difficult times for our diaspora.

For a long time, the café “EVIDENCE”, run by Ukrainian Natalia Hukova, has been respected and popular among Tapa residents and guests. Its interior, cuisine and overall atmosphere are sincerely Ukrainian – warm and family-like. Today, in honour of Town Day, Natalia Hukova held a Day of Ukrainian Cuisine and Cultural Space. Guests were served Ukrainian dishes, the hostess and her helpers wore Ukrainian costumes, and the festive atmosphere was filled with songs by Ukrainian ensembles who came from Tallinn to honour their compatriots and support the refugees who, by force of circumstances, now also live in Tapa Parish. Participants were generously treated so that guests felt comfortable and at home. It was lovely to see our compatriots’ children joining in the many games and entertainments, and singing along to songs that warmed people’s souls, recalling their home regions and family traditions. Town Days usually end with fun entertainment and a dance programme for young people.

The Ukrainian community of the parish expresses its most sincere gratitude to the local government and the management of Tapa Kultuurikoda for their boundless support for every community, and especially for those who have been forced to leave their homes. Thanks to the support of the parish leadership and ordinary Estonians, every family and individual feels more confident and does not lose hope of returning home.

Town Day, like every birthday, passes with the hope of greeting the coming day in good spirits and with good deeds! Good luck to you, our dear town – flourish, grow and live a rich life together with us, your residents!!!

Liubov Laur, head of the society “Orpheus”, Tapa.