Copyright ©2013 Emmanuel Gallant.
Emmanuel Gallant writes:
I am hesitating between the Polish festival, where most of my friends have
planned to go, and the Ukrainian one. After reading a few comments about
last year’s experiences and listening to Ruth’s recommendations, I decide to
spend my Saturday with the Ukrainians.
I get off at Jane subway station around 11am. Right beside the station I can
see the main stage. It is quite a big one, with a big screen magnifying the
performance on stage. I heard that the Ukrainian festival is one of the most
important in Toronto. I assume there will be some amazing performances in a
few hours. I progress slowly on Bloor eastward. Stalls are displayed all
along. More people are arriving, and long line ups are already being formed
to taste the famous Ukrainian dish perogies.
A lot of blue and yellow flags and inflated balloons are hanging on top of
the poles on the street. Canadian flags haven’t been forgotten either. All
those colours create a really festive atmosphere. I spend several minutes walking
among the exhibitors, attracted to the various Ukrainian art and crafts, and
appreciating the blue and yellow caps, scarves and t-shirts. Then, I hear
the drums and bands of the parade. I get as close as possible. My camera is ready.
Two children holding a big banner “Bloor West Village Toronto Ukrainian
Festival” are proudly leading the parade. They are followed by military
veterans and a band. A series of original vintage cars follow, Ukrainian
dancers wearing typical “hustuls” costumes, Ukrainian-Torontonian sport
groups, political parties, the Ukrainian-Canadian Congress, big puppets, and
others. I take a video. The links are at the end of this blog.
The parade lasts at least one hour. My eyes full of yellow and blue, I head
back to the main stage to attend the show that should start soon. I get there
on time for the opening ceremony. A group of officials is on stage, being
thanked for their efforts in the making of this festival. Kathleen Wynne,
the Premier of Ontario, counts among them. It is the 17th annual festival
and North America's largest Ukrainian street festival.
Finally, the shows start with a series of traditional Ukrainian dances.
Performers are obviously well-prepared. Their synchronization is good,
their costumes are very well done. My photographer friend David Jeng
joins me after half an hour. Observing him shooting from all possible angles
and waiting for “the right moment” gives me some good ideas to improve
my pictures. Different artists from all of North America perform, mixing
various styles of Ukrainian dances. It is the first time I see them live.
It is very dynamic and entertaining.
Finally, David and I leave the festival but not before having our own
pictures taken with the performers backstage. This is a nice way to feel
completely immersed in the event.
I finally end the day with my friends at the Polish festival on
Roncesvalles. As expected, this festival is definitely simpler and
smaller, mixed with some Peruvian music and presenting fewer
Polish specialties than the variety at the Ukrainian event. At least,
Polish beer hasn't been forgotten. There is apparently enough to satisfy
most of us visitors.
Note: (For one version of perogies at the Ukrainian Festival, see post:
https://www.torontomulticulturalcalendar.com/2013/09/17/414-fusion-food-
at-korean-ukrainian-festivals/). For Emmanuel's video: http://www.youtube.com/
watch?v=QbRWJ9MlMXI&feature=em-upload_owner
