This weekend Kyiv celebrates the 1,535th anniversary of its founding and invites its residents and visitors to the city to take part in its annual birthday party – the Days of Kyiv.
Over the coming weekend numerous cultural, charity and sports events will be held in the capital of Ukraine. The Kyiv Post has picked out some of the most interesting ones.
The Dancing Days
Over the four days from May 25 to May 28 Sofiivska Square will turn into the large dance floor as the dancing days event is held there. Guests will have an opportunity not only to watch performances by ballroom dancing teams, but also take part in workshops. Each day will be dedicated to a specific dancing style: on May 25 – Latin dances, May 26 – tango, May 27 – waltz, May 28 – Ukrainian dances.
The Dancing Days. May 25-28. Sofiivska Square
Festive procession
A theatrical festive procession will start from Taras Shevchenko Park and will be accompanied by musicians playing music on the way. The procession will make its way to Sofiivska Square, the main location of the Kyiv Days celebrations, where participants will then sing the anthem of Kyiv. All the citizens and the guests of the city are welcome to take part in the procession, wear Ukrainian national clothes, and contribute positivity to the event.
Festive procession. May 27. 5 p.m. From Taras Shevchenko Park to Sofiivska Square.
Culture of Podil Nations festival
A real celebration of diversity is to be held on Kontraktova Square in Podil district: The Culture of Podil Nations festival’s program is full of events, workshops, exhibitions, excursions, quizzes and a concert. Attendees will be able to find out more about the history and culture of the nations that live in Podil, and try traditional dishes from their various cuisines.
Culture of Podil Nations festival. May 27-28. 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. Kontraktova Square
Ethnic Kashtanchyk (chestnut) Festival
This festival will feature art pieces from 12 art and craft schools from all over Ukraine. Held in the large Pyrohovo open-air museum, the event presents a great opportunity to get to know about Ukrainian crafts and enjoy the marvelous landscapes of the museum. Visitors will also have a chance to donate funds for creativity equipment for talented kids with disabilities.
Ethnic Kashtanchyk (chestnut) Festival. May 27. 12 p.m. Pyrohovo
Chestnut Run
This event is not just fun for all those who love running, it also has an admirable aim – raising funds for charity. The run has been held annually for 25 years, and this time the organizers hope to raise Hr 1 million to buy equipment for the Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery Center in Kyiv. The initiative has been helping such institutions and the kids they treat for a while. Taking part in the run is a special team of 350 children who underwent surgery and are now healthy.
To register for the Chestnut Run, go here: http://probeg.kiev.ua/en/registration/
Chestnut Run. May 28. 9 a.m. Mykhailivska square.
The Song on the Dnipro festival
At this event, the best Ukrainian professional and amateur choirs will perform in both classical and folk styles. The performances will include classical and contemporary compositions, and new versions of folk songs. The festival’s venue is a traditional one for big musical events in Kyiv – Spivoche Pole, which translates as the Singing Field.
The Song on the Dnipro festival. May 28. 12 – 18 p.m. Spivoche Pole (41 Lavrska St.)
Gala Concert
The Days of Kyiv celebration’s grand finale will be a concert of popular Ukrainian musicians on Sofiivska square. The bands Pianoboy and Sky, and the singers MamaRika and Maria Yaremchuk, will perform at the free concert.
The Gala Concert. May 28. 4 p.m. Sofiivska square.
