24 May 2026, Lamezia Terme, southern Italy.
Celebrating World Vyshyvanka Day
The vyshyvanka (the traditional Ukrainian embroidered shirt) and Italian folk costumes, children’s laughter and heart-stirring songs — all of it came together in one warm, emotional day, with everyone holding on to what matters most. For all the beauty around us, our pain does not ease for a single moment: every second we remember our prisoners of war, the civilians held hostage and the Ukrainian children treacherously abducted by the Russian Federation. This event was one more loud voice raised before the world: we are waiting for every one of them to come home, we keep fighting, and we will never forget those in captivity.
The warmth of the Ukrainian soul in Italy
This day was born of the love for Ukraine shared by the Ukrainian communities of southern Italy, of the efforts of the association “Svitanok”, led by Oksana Haladzhun and Stanislav Shevchenko, and of the dedicated work of the associations “Kolos”, “S.Me.Re.Ca”, “SALO”, “Media Vision Theatre” and “Solomia”. Together they brought the local community and their Italian friends together around what gives us strength — our identity.
A thread that binds the generations: Culture has become our weapon and our medicine. Preserving our native language, our memory and our art is what keeps the roots of our nation alive, wherever we are.
Beauty embroidered in thread: The remarkable designer Anastasiia Vasylyk presented a collection by the “Chycheri” brand that seemed to bring our history back to life. Guests held their breath before the authentic antique garments in an open exhibition of Ukrainian heritage.
Living traditions: Kateryna Nikolin unveiled the hidden codes of our embroidery, Maryna lovingly guided guests through the exhibition, and Liubov and Viktoriia made motanka dolls with children and adults — protective charms into which everyone put a prayer for peace.
When hearts speak the same language
The most moving moment was a true bridge of solidarity between our two peoples. The local Italian choir “Madonna di Dipodi” came to support the Ukrainians, showing off its rare traditional costume, the “pacchiana nicastrese”.
And when the voices of our ensembles “Berehynia”, “Berehynia Junior”, “Svitanok” and the very youngest little angels of the group “Barvinok” rang out, many had tears in their eyes. It was a celebration of unity, in which the book and embroidery became the very threads that stitch cultures together, heal wounded souls and give what matters most — an unbreakable hope that all our people will come home and that light will prevail.
16 photos
