Ivana Kupala Night

Our event is both a celebration of Ukrainian traditions, music, culture, food and a charity fundraiser to help victims of recent floods in Ukraine.

Traditionally Ivana Kupala celebrations starts on the eve of 6th July from morning to nightfall with lots of games, music, food, making of flower crowns and floating them in the water and jumping over bonfires. This tradition dates back to pre-Christian times. It is much loved and celebrated in modern Ukraine.

The door entry ticket proceeds are going directly towards our fundraiser as well as profit from the event.

There are a selection of craft workshops running throughout the event to reflect on Kupala's main aspects: the power of healing herbs, symbolism of flowers used in the traditional flower crowns and candle making which represents fire, one of the main symbols of the day. We start our day with a celebration of Ukrainian food followed by talks on the traditions behind the day's activities. Through the day there are workshops for children and adults, as well as Kupala games. The grand finale will take place at Birchgrove Oval park (an easy 10 min walk from our main location). This comprises "jumping over fire" (represented by tea light/led candles in order to obey fire bans) and floating freshly made flower crowns in the water (don't worry, we'll fish them out for you to take home).

Please stay tuned on our social media channels for the updates on the program and kids activities.

Please get in touch if you would like to volunteer at the event.

General admission tickets are available in advance for $20 here, otherwise $25 on the door.

Admission is included if you purchase any of the festival workshops or events listed below:

Taste of Ukraine Food Platter – tickets available here

Herbal Bath Salt Workshop – tickets available here

Beeswax Candle Making Workshop – tickets available here

Kupala Flower Crown Workshop – tickets available here