Bitaemo! That’s “welcome” in Ukrainian, and it’s the rallying cry of Canada’s National Ukrainian Festival, now gearing up for its 41st summer in Dauphin, MB. In past years, as many as 8,500 people from across the country made the trek to this rural community north of Riding Mountain National Park to celebrate their unique Slavic heritage at the three-day celebration held each August long weekend.

Ukrainian hospitality is legendary in the Canadian Prairies, where the majority of Eastern European immigrants settled at the turn of the last century. The lively festival continues that tradition with its abundance of ethnic eateries (perogies and kolbassa, anyone?), music and dance. It’s a something-for-everyone party—a tranquil baby-friendly petting zoo or a raucous late-night zabava (shindig). And in between, there are displays of Cossack equestrian prowess, traditional skills demos, such as paska (egg bread) braiding and pysanky (Easter egg) painting, plus spirited performances by internationally acclaimed Ukrainian dance troupes and singing groups. 

If the revelry leaves you wanting to know more about this rich culture, drive a few hours southeast to the province’s capital city Winnipeg. The Oseredok Ukrainian Cultural and Education Centre houses North America’s largest collection of Ukranian historical and cultural artifacts. It’s got a museum, library, art gallery, archives and boutique.

www.cnuf.ca www.travelmanitoba.com www.destinationwinnipeg.ca www.oseredok.org