‘Ukraine is alive like never before’: Bruno Previdi St’Ana’s speech at Brazil’s ethnic communities festival

For over sixty years, the traditional Festival of Ethnic Community Dances has taken place in Curitiba, the capital of Brazil’s Paraná state, bringing together the local community. Among the 16 participating groups, two — Barvinok and Poltava — represent the Ukrainian community. Ukrainians are one of the most active ethnic groups in the region.

During the festival’s opening, speeches are delivered that resonate deeply with Ukrainians worldwide. The Ukrainian World Congress shares the text of Bruno Previdi St’Ana’s address to the event participants.

by Bruno Previdi St’Ana, a journalist, director, and member of the Ukrainian folk ensemble Barvinok

Today’s event carries a weight and pride that are hard to measure. It’s a century of history brought to life through the movements and voices of those who, for 95 years, have taken the stage and rehearsal halls to show a passion that goes far beyond folklore. This is a memory. This is a legacy. This is resilience.

From the very beginning of this festival — one we hold so dear — Barvinok has participated in every one of its 63 editions. It is part of our story, and we are part of its story.

For us, folklore is not just a celebration, not just dances and songs. Above all, it is the living memory of peoples who refuse to be forgotten. That is why the Ukrainian folk ensemble Barvinok takes the stage not only to celebrate the culture of our people, but also to boldly declare: with every step, every raised hand, every focused gaze toward the future, and with a soul full of stories, we say — Ukraine lives, and it is here.

It’s true that in the past fifty years, the world has endured many armed conflicts — civil wars, regional clashes, and open warfare. But it is also true that for the last millennium, Ukraine has been a great arena of courage and bravery. For the past three years, Ukraine has faced daily the senseless and cynical attempts to destroy its people. Every day, the treacherous attacks of a terrorist state try to erase our existence — and fail. It is through culture and tradition that we remain standing here. We stand and speak to all who are ready to listen: Ukraine cannot be destroyed because Ukraine is each one of us!

They try to erase us, divide us, steal our land, and shackle our people. But our lives mean so much more than their bombs.

The Ukrainian community of Brazil and Barvinok today reaffirm their commitment to culture, memory, and above all, dignity. For over a century, the land of pine forests has welcomed descendants of steppe peoples — here we have learned to live together, to share, and to celebrate. Our story has always been one of resilience.

That is why tonight we dance not just for celebration, but for life. For the memory of those who could not be here. For the courage of those who fight oppression, cruelty, and helplessness — wherever they may be, even here.

Every note, every movement, every step carries a story that can never be silenced under any circumstances. Just like Ukraine, which stands strong against missile strikes and empty threats from senseless officials, Barvinok remains loyal to its people, its history, and its land.

We take this stage to say that we respect and, above all, desire peace. But never at the cost of silence. Our lives and our independence are not for sale.

Tonight we celebrate culture, but never at the expense of dignity.

To everyone sitting in the audience today, to those who hold positions and represent us, we want to say: truth needs no words to be felt. It fills our hearts and gives us strength for a fight that goes beyond the front lines in Kyiv, Zaporizhzhia, Crimea, or Luhansk.

When we step onto the stage, the front line is here too. Each of us today is a soldier holding the line. Because as long as there is even one Ukrainian standing anywhere in the world — Ukraine will remain free.

So watch this stage closely and be sure — Ukraine is alive like never before.

This night is a celebration — but also a statement. A pride for all who came before, for those yet to come, and for those still fighting across the globe. This night is for you.

Slava Ukraini!