Ukrainian community hosts 9th grand festival in Turkish Antalya

The 9th International Festival and Competition Ukrainian Festyny took place in Antalya, assembling over 600 participants from Ukraine and Türkiye, according to Vita Mykhailova, the head of the Ukrainian Union “Ukrainian Family” in the Turkish capital.

The event was staged by Ukrainian Family and Revival of the Nation, with support from the Consulate General of Ukraine in Antalya and the Muratpaşa Municipality.

This year, the festival coincided with the 10th Kaleiçi Old Town Festival, which gathered guests from 26 countries. Ukraine was represented by a delegation from Kamianets-Podilskyi, Antalya’s sister city.

Throughout the festival, children’s and adult groups from various regions of Ukraine showcased their talents, including the Pavlo Virskyi Dance Ensembles from Kyiv, Nizhyn, and Zhytomyr, the Taras Shevchenko Art Lyceum, and the Orchestra of the Mykhailo DrahomanovNational Pedagogical University, led by Vasyl Fedoryshyn.

Local Turkish groups also took part, including the Berehynia Ukrainian Ensemble from Antalya, which performed Ukrainian songs and dances for an international audience.

A major feature of the festival was the symbolic planting of kalyna (viburnum) and cherry trees in the Ukrainian Culture Park near the bas-relief of Ukrainian bard Taras Shevchenko. The ceremony was attended by Azovstal defender Bohdan Zarytskyi and his family as a gesture of hope, peace, and gratitude to the Turkish people for supporting Ukraine.

The festival united Ukrainians of all ages and professions, serving as a platform for cultural exchange and strengthening friendship between Ukraine and Türkiye.

“Add Ukrainian meaning to every detail — from symbols to music and costumes. Don’t be afraid to dream big. Even a small community can create an international event if it works with love for Ukraine,” the organizers said.