- Friday, May 16, 2025
On May 15, a vibrant celebration of International Vyshyvanka Day took place at Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University. The event brought together students, professors, university staff, and city residents around Ukrainian traditions, music, patriotism, and charity.
The celebration was officially opened by soloists from the Dmytro Hnatyuk Chernivtsi Regional Philharmonic, a combined orchestra of the university's Department of Music and the Chernivtsi Garrison, conducted by the Honored Worker of Culture of Ukraine, Heorhii Novakivskyi. Symbolically, students held aloft blue-and-yellow flags and the banners of military units supported by the university.
Rector of Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University, Professor Ruslan Biloshkurskyi, welcomed the attendees, emphasizing the importance of Ukrainian identity, unity, and cultural heritage in times of war. Participants honored the memory of fallen heroes — alumni, lecturers, staff, and students who gave their lives for Ukraine’s independence — with a moment of silence.
The audience enjoyed a series of patriotic performances by the vocal studio "Rosy," student ensembles, a choreographed piece titled "Bukovynian Dance", a fashion show featuring traditional embroidered clothing, and the premiere of the song "Mother’s Embroidered Shirt" performed by Associate Professor of the Department of Music and Honored Artist of Ukraine, Iryna Styts. Particularly moving were the performances by children from military families and guests from the occupied territories, who showcased the cultural heritage of their native regions.
This year’s theme for Vyshyvanka Day was "Occupied Heritage: Preserve from Oblivion and Protect for Future Generations." The program featured the unique embroidery traditions of Donetsk, Luhansk, Zaporizhzhia, Kharkiv, Kherson, and Crimea. Participants highlighted the importance of safeguarding national culture, even amidst the hardships of war.
The celebration also included a charitable component: funds were being raised for a gun carriage for the 92nd Battalion of the 107th Territorial Defense Brigade and for Chernivtsi National University lecturer Oleksii Khudyi. A fair was held during the event, offering sweets, books, handmade crafts, authentic masterclasses, and themed photo zones.
The event was organized by the Chernivtsi National University Center for Culture and Leisure, the Department of Educational Work and Humanitarian Education, with the support of the university’s rectorate, Student Parliament, and trade union organizations. Partners included the Honcharenko Center, PRONTO Pizza & Sushi, and “Halia Baluvana,” while leading media outlets of Bukovyna provided informational support.
Vyshyvanka Day once again proved that Ukrainian culture is alive, strong, and unbreakable. Chernivtsi University remains a place where traditions come to life in the hearts of the younger generation.
You can view photos from the event, captured by the university’s Communications and Branding Department, via the following link.
