Ukrainians living in York celebrated a special day at the historic Merchant Taylors Hall today (Thursday).
Marked on the third Thursday of May, Vyshyvanka Day is a national celebration honours the traditional embroidered shirt known of the same day, which has become a symbol for national identity, pride, and hope for peace since the February 2022 invasion.
YorkMix spoke to several attendees as they reflected on their journeys from their hometowns in Ukraine and experiences since settling into life in York.
Today marked the third consecutive year that the Merchant Taylors Hall, located off St Andrewgate, has hosted the event for the cities Ukrainian community.
The celebration, which began in 2006 by a Ukrainian university student, has developed into a global expression of unity among Ukrainians.
Today, it serves as a reminder of shared heritage and belonging, now more significant than ever as the diaspora becomes more scattered due to the ongoing war.
The event included a flag bearing ceremony, traditional song and dance performances, entertainment, and a spread of Ukrainian food for everyone to enjoy.
Maryana Mukha, one of the event’s organisers and a member of the York Ukrainian Society, shared with YorkMix the importance of the celebration.
“It means a lot for Ukrainians, because it’s such a hard time at the moment. Lots of them have lost their loved ones in the war, but coming here, they can feel the support, love, and share their culture, heritage, and try enjoy it and just go back to normality.”
Like many attendees, Maryana wore a Vyshyvanka, which she revealed was 60 years old.
“People are dressed in shirts which are around 100 years old, mine is 60 years old, but I’ve got a few which are almost 100 too,” she told YorkMix.
Each region of Ukraine has its own unique designs and colours, with the shirt often passed down from generation to generation.
“We’re showing that we’ve got beauty, no matter what devastation is happening in Ukraine,” Maryana added.
She recently visited her hometown, Lviv, a few weeks ago. She shared the extent of devastation.
“We visited lots of rehabilitation centres, and despite lots of them losing their arms, legs, people are so brave. You just can’t imagine the scale, if you really want to see the situation, you need to go and see yourself.”
Maryana also expressed her deep gratitude to the people of York.
“I want to say a massive thank you to people who opened their homes to Ukrainians. And I imagine it wasn’t easy at times, to have a stranger in the house, but all these people were so kind and generous.
“It’s really hard, especially it’s with small kids. You don’t know the language and it’s just scary, because everything is different here.”
Tetyana Lunyova, a researcher at the University of York who fled from Ukraine in 2022, echoed that appreciation.
“I’ve received so much help and support from literally everybody, from our neighbours who live across the street, from my colleagues at the University and overall, everyone’s been really welcoming,” she said.
Tetyana arrived from Kharkiv with her son, who’s now 13, with just four small backpacks of clothing.
“It’s very difficult to process this idea of living, everything feels temporary. But it’s a new experience, you meet new people, you make new friends, but it’s still not a normal relocation,” she told YorkMix.
Iryna Martyanyuk, who also fled from Lviv with her daughter, said the people of York could not have been more accommodating.
“It’s a really friendly city, it’s incredible city with incredible people, and they really support us. They’ve created a welcoming atmosphere and help us in any field of our lives. From the housing or any any problem we have, the locals will help us,” she shared.
To find out more about the York Ukrainian Society, click here.
Check out a few pictures below!