As we work to defend our country, we also support Ukrainian culture and traditions — what brings us together and reminds us what we are fighting for. Supporting culture is our source of strength and resilience, and a way to resist centuries of russian colonial attempts to erase our identity and take away our memory and voice.
That is why it is important for us to join the “Vertep Garden” initiative — a project that revives and promotes the tradition of Vertep performances and brings it to the places where it is needed most: de-occupied and frontline communities.
From December 24 to 29, the Vertep participants spent the holidays with these communities, simply being there and bringing a sense of togetherness.
The Vertep is a living tradition that has preserved Ukrainian identity for centuries. During the Soviet period, it was banned and persecuted as a manifestation of Ukrainian culture and distinctiveness. Today, russia is once again trying to destroy our culture — along with our language, memory, and traditions.
Launched in 2023, the “Vertep Garden” has since brought together more than 160 participants from across Ukraine, formed 12 Vertep groups, and visited 41 towns and villages in six regions — from Kharkiv and Donetsk regions to Sumy and Mykolaiv regions.
We thank the “Vertep Garden” team for this initiative and for keeping the tradition alive — against all odds. And we thank Ukrainian defenders, thanks to whom we can work on our own land, nurture our traditions, and build the future in a free Ukraine.
[Photo: Vertep Garden]