Dancin’ in the street: Displays of Ukrainian culture will feature at Sunday’s “mini expo” in Geelong West.
KIM WATERS
MORE than 300 Geelong Ukrainian families will break out borscht and potato dumplings this weekend to celebrate 20 years since their mother country’s independence.
Association of Ukrainians in Victoria Geelong branch member Irene Stawiski encouraged families of other nationalities to sample Ukranian culture at a “mini expo” in the city this weekend.
Ms Stawiski said the expo would mark the 1991 end of Ukraine’s long struggle for independence after the fall of the former Soviet Union.
Sunday’s expo would showcase traditional entertainment, food, Ukrainian beer and vodka, cultural displays and a costume parade, she said.
Many Ukrainian migrants fled political unrest after World War II to settle in Geelong.
“This 20-year celebration is a big thing because many of the families still have a connection with their homeland – even second or third generations have been brought up learning about the culture, language and heritage and maintaining traditions.”
Ms Stawiski hoped Geelong would embrace the event.
“This kind of thing goes a long way to encouraging tolerance of other cultures and learning about other political situations. We’re lucky to live in a democratic country and we can’t just assume people in other countries have it the same way.
“It’s a great event for the community to experience the richness of Ukrainian culture.”
Ms Stawiski said the expo would begin 11am at Geelong West’s Ukrainian Hall, 57 Pakington St.
