Come together for the Flag of Ukraine
Published: 23 August 2023
People in Exeter are set to come together on Thursday (23 August) to celebrate The Day of the National Flag for Ukraine.
Exeter’s cultural laboratory, Maketank – which receives funding from Exeter City Council - and the Devon Ukrainian Association (DUA) have organised a celebratory gathering in Bedford Square between 5:30 and 6:30pm. Everyone is welcome to attend.
People will then be invited for a short prayer service for Ukraine, followed by a reception and a friendly conversation at Maketank, 5 Paris Street, Exeter EX1 2JB, from 6:30pm to 8pm.
This will be followed by the first ‘Yarmarok’ in the South West, a Ukrainian fair to celebrate Ukrainian food, culture, and community on Saturday (26 August), between 12 noon and 5pm at Maketank in Paris Street, Exeter.
The State Flag of Ukraine is a symbol that has been woven into Ukrainian history for centuries. The celebration of The Day of the National Flag is also intertwined with another significant event of the following day (24 August) - the Independence Day of Ukraine.
The two dates are symbolically placed side-by-side on the calendar of Ukrainian history. The gathering has invited special guests who will share their thoughts on how the support and solidarity of Great Britain contribute to the growth and independence of Ukraine.
On Saturday, Maketank and DUA will also be launching the first ‘Yarmarok’ in the South West. ‘Yarmarok’ (ярмарок), means ‘fair’ or ‘market’ in the Ukrainian language, carries a significant cultural importance in Ukraine for its spirit and role in supporting artists and crafters.
Bringing Ukrainian food, Arts & Crafts, traditional performances and master classes in Ukrainian Arts under the same roof, Maketank and the Devon Ukrainian Association hope to bring awareness on Ukrainian culture to the Exeter and Devon public.
People are being invited to join them to experience the magic of Ukrainian folk culture and traditions:
- Traditional Ukrainian baked goods and famous borscht
- Live Folk Music and Folk Dancing
- Traditional Craft Workshops by Ukrainian artisans: motanka doll, vybiyka (fabric decoration), vytynanka (paper cutting), face painting, etc
- A wonderful afternoon of foods, music, dance, and craft.
For more information visit the Maketank website at https://www.maketank.org.uk/event-details/ukrainian-yarmarok
For the National Flag of Independence visit the Eventbrite website at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-day-of-the-national-flagindependence-day-of-ukraine-tickets-698387544947/