Ukrainian culture ‘offering something vibrant and valuable to its new home’

Caerphilly’s Ukrainian community continued their Vyshyvanka Day celebrations over the weekend, with more than 400 people taking part in a series of cultural activities on Saturday May 17.

Roughly 6,000 Ukrainians have moved to Wales since Russia began its war on their country three years ago, with around 120 now settled in Caerphilly County Borough.

The event saw Ukrainians from across Wales join together at Cardiff Library. It was the second of two events held there to mark Vyshyvanka Day.

The first event, held on Thursday May 15, included poignant recitals of famous Ukrainian poetry, including historic and more recent works. There was also live music and a talk on the history of the vyshyvanka – the national costume of Ukraine.

The second event included a number of performances celebrating Ukrainian heritage, including children’s dance groups, folk singers, and cultural ensembles.

There was also a variety of interactive workshops, an art gallery, story-telling, and more.

Prominent Ukrainian actor, author, and activist Antin Mukharskyi was also there to meet with attendees.

The event was well attended by both Ukrainian and Welsh attendees alike, and gave a chance for people to learn more about Ukrainian culture, and build bridges between communities.

It was organised by Cardiff Central Library and the Welsh Refugee Council, with support from the National Heritage Lottery Fund.

Yuliia Bond, who played a key role in organising the event, said: “Vyshyvanka is more than fabric and thread – it’s the soul of a nation worn on the body.”

Yuliia, who moved to Caerphilly from Ukraine three years ago, continued: “Here in Wales, it’s also become a symbol of resilience, gratitude, and hope. Ukrainian culture isn’t just surviving – it’s offering something vibrant and valuable to its new home.”

The celebrations were also a chance to challenge narratives about refugees and displaced people.

Rather than a focus on crisis, trauma, and need, Vyshyvanka Day showed the strength and artistry of the Ukrainian people rebuilding their lives in Wales – and highlighted their positive contributions to the communities they have joined.