Tickets are now on sale for a local Ukrainian Christmas Eve tradition.
Svyatay Vechir (Holy Night) celebration features many traditional customs, food and music starting at 6 p.m. on Jan. 3 at the Ukrainian Cultural Centre, 3277 Douglas St.
The festive event is open to all, regardless of ethnic heritage. Ukrainians throughout the world celebrate the birth of Christ as is it marked on the Julian calendar, meaning that Christmas falls on Jan. 7.
On Christmas Eve, to commemorate Christ’s birth, Svyatay Vechir, a ritual meal is prepared. The menu is meatless, consisting of 12 dishes, symbolic of the 12 Apostles and of the year’s bountiful harvest. No milk or animal fats may be used in the preparation of food.
“It has been two years since the last Svyatay Vechir so we expect tickets to sell out quickly,” said Patricia Sembaliuk of the Ukrainian Studies Society.
Guests will be welcomed by a local family who act as special hosts. In addition to the meal will be carolling by the Luna ensemble.
For ticket information, please call 250-475-2585.
Founded in 1987, the Ukrainian Studies Society supports the promotion of Ukrainian language and culture.