In connection with the 2026 Vyshyvanka Day, celebrating Ukrainian Embroidery and all it means for Ukrainian identity, especially in today’s global circumstances, the celebration was extended in New Westminster to the following Saturday.
The “Royal City” (As New Westminster is nicknamed for historic reasons) holds an annual parade and festival aptly called the Hyack Multicultiral Parade and Festival in the Park. One of the fun highlights is the parade that makes its way along the main Up Town 6th Street and is cheered by the thousands who line the sidewalks on lawn chairs and blankets. It is great fun for the whole family and the creativity of the “floats” and the good spirit is felt throughout the event.
This year, as for some time now, the Ukrainian community participates in the parade with youth, dancers. music and flags! Our Bishop Michael and the Sisters were seen along the street (it is only half a block from Chancery, btw), as well as many familiar faces from Holy Eucharist Catedral, also located nearby in New Westminster.
The Parade is only the beginning! See the schedule! There is a unique Ukrainian exhibit and presentation at the city’s Anvil Centre (777 Columbia Street) which includes Crimean Tatar costumes (that autonomous republic in southern Ukraine which was occupied by Russian forces since 2014).
In the later afternoon as Holy Eucharist Cathedral, (501-4th Avenue) hosts a Ukrainian Market with fresh Ukrainian food available! In the evening the young adults, also at the Cathedral, (as a fundraiser for summer camps St. Volodymyr) are hosting a fun “Varenyky Party” from 7:00 PM.
