A sea of blue and yellow is stretching across Parc Maisonneuve as the Montreal Ukrainian Festival returns this year, bringing a month-long celebration of Ukrainian heritage, culture and resilience to the city.
The festival, organized around the theme “Heritage of Generations,” is inviting Montrealers and visitors to experience Ukrainian food, music, dancing, arts and crafts while learning about traditions being passed from one generation to the next.
“Today it’s a joyful day. There’s 33,000 more Ukrainians that have been coming to Montreal and I think almost all of them will be here at the festival,” said Gregory Bedik, spokesperson for the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Quebec.
For young Ukrainian Canadians, the festival is also an opportunity to maintain connections to their culture and language.
“We’re trying to connect the traditions, the culture and the language between all the kids and all the young people that are gonna grow up soon and they’re gonna become like known people. So basically you guys can come every Saturday and every Saturday we’re having like lessons about Ukraine,” said Drea Radovenchyk, a member of CYM Canada.
Festival attendees make their way through Parc Maisonneuve to explore the tents of vendors and artisans who are showcasing Ukrainian dishes and culture. (Corinne Boyer, CityNews)
The festival’s importance extends beyond the Ukrainian community, with organizers encouraging people of all backgrounds to take part and learn more about Ukrainian culture.
“It’s very important for everyone to be sensibilized and to get different information, and to see the culture because maybe they’re gonna like it, maybe they’re gonna like the people and maybe they’re gonna feel more connected with everyone,” said a festival-goer.
This year’s edition also comes as Ukraine continues to defend itself against Russia’s ongoing invasion.
For members of Montreal’s Ukrainian community, celebrating their culture has taken on an added significance as the war continues.
“This year is truly exceptional for us, because Ukraine is still at war, we’re fighting for our independence. So we’re here showing our support for our country. And we want people to learn about our culture and our food; we’re really proud of Ukrainian culture,” said a festival-goer.
The festival also marks two milestones this year: 135 years of Ukrainian presence in Canada and 35 years of Ukraine’s independence.
A Canada Ukraine flag waving in the wind above festival goers on Saturday August 29, 2026, the first official day of the Montreal Ukrainian Festival. (Corinne Boyer, CityNews)
“What’s most important is to showcase the resilience of the Ukrainian people. When some people in the world are trying to say that Ukrainian and Ukrainians don’t exist, this is our day to show everybody and showcase Ukrainian culture. We want to do this especially in Montreal, in Quebec, because a lot of the French people have opened their hearts and their homes to Ukrainians, especially since the full invasion of Ukraine by Russia. And so this is our way to pay back, to share and to just be part of the greater community,” said Michael Shwec, president of the Ukrainian Canadian Congress Quebec.
Shwec says the festival is designed to offer something for visitors of all ages.
“There’s a variety of things that the whole family can enjoy. You have all kinds of vendors here with everything from shirts to arts and crafts to anything that you may want and good food too. And throughout the day we have a continuous live concert on the main stage. So something for everybody,” said Shwec.
That mix of food, entertainment and cultural programming is part of what keeps families returning year after year.
“I’m Ukrainian every year. Me, my mom, my sister, we go here. We have fun, we like try different foods, we get new stuff, we make memories!” said a young festival-goer.
The festival’s outdoor programming will continue throughout the month, culminating Sept. 27.
For organizers, the celebration is ultimately about ensuring Ukrainian culture remains visible and connected to future generations.
“Come on down to the Montreal Ukrainian Festival. We’re right at Maisonneuve Park, across from Saputo Stadium. Have a great time. Eat everything Ukrainian. Take a look at all the acts and the culture. It lives not only here in Ukraine, it lives in the hearts of every person that’s got freedom,” said Bedik.
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