Fifteenth all-Ukrainian festival “The Bells of the Lemko’s Land” will bring together fans of Lemko culture in Bychova, Monastyryska raion, Ternopil oblast on August 3-4. According to the organizers, every year the festival attracts more and more participants. This year nearly 100 bands and singers from Ukraine, Poland, Slovakia, and Canada will perform on Vatriane field. Since Lemkos honor their ancient traditions, passing them from generation to generation, there will also be many children’s bands. This year, a separate stage will be installed for them and a small Lemko children’s bonfire will burn separately from the big one. Another integral part of the festival is the town of craftsmen. Over eighty craftsmen from Ukraine will present their work there.
“The festival will begin with ceremonial procession and laying flowers at the monument to Taras Shevchenko in Monastyryska,” said Mykhailo Frankiv, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Religions, and Nationalities of Ternopil Oblast State Administration. “The grand opening will take place in Bychova at 1 p.m. Closer to midnight there will be all sorts of entertainment for youth. The second day of the festival will begin with Divine Liturgy at 10 a.m.”
For some the Fifteenth all-Ukrainian Festival “The Bells of the Lemkos’ Land” is an opportunity to get acquainted with the culture of Lemkos and spend a weekend meaningfully, and for the members of this ethnic group it is another opportunity to meet as a large family.
