Ukrainians Embrace Ivana Kupala Festival Amid Ongoing Conflict

The ancient midsummer celebration takes on new significance as Ukrainians gather to preserve their cultural heritage during wartime.

Despite curfews and blackouts, Ukrainians celebrated Ivana Kupala with traditional bonfire jumping, folk dancing, and flower decorations.
Thousands attended the festival near Kyiv, donning embroidered shirts and dresses, and creating floral crowns.
Participants emphasized the importance of maintaining cultural traditions in the face of Russian aggression aimed at erasing Ukrainian identity.
The festival, held at a national heritage park, featured reconstructed traditional buildings from various regions of Ukraine.
The event provided a rare opportunity for community bonding and a sense of normalcy amid the ongoing war.