In the very heart of Central Florida, near Greater Orlando, a special fire has been burning for five years. It is not just a stage with music, nor only festival tents or traditional embroidered attire. It is Vatra — a symbol of warmth, memory, tradition, and resilience.
The festival was born from a powerful idea — to create a space where Ukrainians, even thousands of miles away from home, can feel united. The initiators of this movement were Roksolana Cisyk, Vasyl Boychuk, and Mykola Havryliuk — founders of Ukrainian Project, Inc. They were united by a shared belief: Ukrainian culture must live, grow, and be heard around the world, regardless of distance.
From a Local Initiative to a Strong Community
Ukrainian Project began with small local initiatives but gradually grew into a strong nonprofit volunteer organization that today unites the Ukrainian diaspora through festivals, concerts, cultural events, educational programs, and charitable initiatives supporting Ukraine.
Vatra has become the living heart of this community — a place where the Ukrainian language is heard, traditions ing place for generations: children learn traditional dances, young people discover modern Ukrainian music, and older generations find comfort in familiar songs and customs.
A Challenge That Made Us Stronger
The first festival took place at a turning point for the world — during the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. What was meant to be a cultural celebration transformed into an act of solidarity, support, and unity.
Artists, volunteers, media representatives, vendors, and thousands of attendees united around one goal — to help Ukraine and demonstrate the strength of the Ukrainian spirit to the world. It became clear then: Vatra is more than a festival. It is a symbol of resilience.
Moral, humanitarian, and financial support for Ukraine became an essential part of the event. The festival not only preserves culture — it speaks about truth, freedom, and the ongoing struggle of the Ukrainian people.
A Legacy Recognized at the State Level
An important milestone in Ukrainian Project’s work extended beyond cultural events. In 2022, the Florida House of Representatives adopted Resolution 8055 (HR 8055), initiated with the participation of Ukrainian Project in cooperation with the Embassy of Ukraine in Washington and Congressman of Ukrainian descent Scott Plakon.
The document proclaims November 26 as Holodomor Remembrance Day in Florida and recognizes the Holodomor of 1932–1933 as an act of genocide committed by the Soviet regime against the Ukrainian people.
This was not merely a political step — it was an act of historical justice and international recognition of truth. It is yet another proof that the voice of a community can be heard.
Five Years of Unity
This year, the Vatra Festival celebrates its fifth anniversary. Over time, it has grown larger, stronger, and even closer to people’s hearts. It unites Ukrainians from across America, Europe, and around the world, becoming a meeting place of cultures, generations, and shared dreams. A special highlight of the anniversary festival was the participation of Mrs. Florida America 2025 and Mrs. Orlando 2025, Eddah Wanyoike, whose presence emphasized the importance of unity, culture, and international support for the Ukrainian community.
Its mottos sound like both a promise and a prayer:
“Vatra Unites Hearts”
“Together We Are Strong”
“Together Toward Victory”
Today, Ukrainian Project is an American community with a Ukrainian heart. The team of volunteers, organizers, and partners continues to grow, driven by one shared mission: to support Ukraine, preserve culture, and build the future together.
Vatra is a fire that does not fade. It is memory and hope. It is strength born from love for the Homeland.
Glory to Ukraine!
Glory to the Heroes!
Author: Tatyana Vorontsova
Photo credit: Lana Dee Photography.
