Ukrainian Harvest Celebration (Obzhynky) in Richmond
On September 6, 2026, thanks to the support of Richmond Cares, Richmond Gives, and a group of Ukrainian folk dancers and singers, we were able to bring the traditional Ukrainian harvest celebration, Obzhynky, to the Richmond community at Garry Point Park.
The event welcomed community members, families, neighbours, and passers-by for an afternoon of cultural sharing and community connection. We were happy to introduce Ukrainian heritage through folk dancing, traditional songs, games, crafts for children and adults, and a raffle. We were delighted to see participants of different ages and backgrounds actively engaging in the activities, joining the dancing, trying traditional crafts, and learning about Ukrainian customs.
Traditionally, Obzhynky marks the end of the harvest season and expresses gratitude for the land, hard work, and collective effort. These values of gratitude, cooperation, and togetherness were at the heart of our celebration. The event created a welcoming space where people could experience Ukrainian traditions firsthand, discover a new culture, and build connections with their neighbours.
For Ukrainian participants, the celebration was a meaningful opportunity to preserve our cultural heritage, share our identity, and strengthen our sense of belonging in Canada. For other community members, it offered an opportunity to learn about Ukrainian culture and recognize the positive contributions of newcomers to Richmond’s cultural life.
We are sincerely grateful to Richmond Cares and Richmond Gives for supporting this community-led initiative and helping make the celebration possible. The event demonstrated how a grassroots cultural project can bring people together, encourage intercultural understanding, and strengthen neighbourhood connections. Above all, Obzhynky reminded us that, just like a successful harvest, a strong community grows through shared effort, generosity, and celebration.
We hope this celebration will inspire further opportunities for cultural exchange, community participation, and meaningful connections among Richmond residents.
