Ukrainian Christmas traditions in the spotlight in downtown Winnipeg

by Jeff Picknicki Morski

WINNIPEG - From January 6 to 14, Winnipeg's Ukrainian Cultural and Educational Center (Oseredok), together with The Bay Downtown, presented a program of Ukrainian Christmas traditions to the delight and enjoyment of all those who attended or took part in the celebration.

The event, coordinated by Irka Balan and Oseredok staff members Shawna Balas and Andrea Balas, offered Winnipeggers an insider's glimpse into the rich Ukrainian traditions of the Christmas and New Year's season in presentations ranging from cooking demonstrations, to caroling by children from the city's Ukrainian bilingual program, to historical and cultural displays.

Other highlights included an exhibit of art work by Dr. Leo Mol, a Ukrainian custom fashion show and performances by local folk dance and theatrical groups. Sustenance, too, was provided in the daily Ukrainian lunch specials at The Bay's Paddlewheel Restaurant. Worthy of special note was Mr. Balas' window display titled "Koliadnyky" (The Carolers), a thoughtful and colorful tribute to one of the season's best loved traditions.

The last of the program's events, and a fitting finale to the weeklong celebration, was the Ukrainian New Year Concert on January 14. Lorraine Walton, special events coordinator for The Bay Downtown, gave the opening address in which she briefly described the program's inception some 14 months ago and praised the work and efforts of all those involved in making the event a success.

Orysia Tracz, master of ceremonies for the concert, spoke in her own inimitable style about some of the special customs of the season and recited in Ukrainian a traditional Hutsul blessing for a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year for all.

Performing to a standing-room-only audience in The Bay's Paddlewheel Restaurant were members of the Oleksander Koshetz Choir with their renditions of "Dobryi Vechir Tobi," "Shchedryk," and two other popular carols. The Maryna vocal duet sang "Ivanku, Ivanku," "De Zhoda v Rodyni" and "Proshchannia" although these selections were mistakenly introduced to the audience as Ukrainian pioneer songs.

Two members of Winnipeg's Rusalka Ukrainian dance ensemble performed a short selection. Oly and Oleksander Harkavyi closed the performance with three songs of the season, most notably their magnificent arrangement and superb harmonies in "Tykha Nich" which left the audience speechless.

Clearly a success, Winnipeggers can look forward with anticipation to next year's Ukrainian Christmas program. As announced by The Bay's store manager, Brian Reid, this marks only the beginning of future similar activities between the store and the city's Ukrainian community. Oseredok's program of Ukrainian Easter and spring traditions will begin at The Bay on March 24.

Copyright © The Ukrainian Weekly, February 9, 1997, No. 6, Vol. LXV

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