Ukrainian Encounters in Oulu 2026 is a community-based Culture Companion2026 event series that brings people together around Ukrainian culture, history, music, and shared discussion. Throughout the year, we celebrate traditions, remember important historical moments, and build bridges between cultures.
Every month 3:00–5:00 PM
Turusen Saha, Pikisaarentie 10, 90100 Oulu
The events are hosted by volunteers of the Association of Ukrainians in Northern Ostrobothnia.
Program
Sun 25 Jan – Ukrainian-language meeting (in Ukrainian)
Ukraine’s Unity Day and other historical milestones and figures.
Sun 22 Feb – Ukrainian-language meeting (in Ukrainian)
Anniversary of the full-scale invasion. Honoring the fallen.
Discussion about Ukrainian children living under occupation, deportation, and coercion due to Russia’s invasion. Personal experiences.
Performance by guitar ensemble Sokoly.
Sun 15 Mar – Easter gathering (in English)
Presentation of Ukrainian Easter traditions and tasting of Easter breads.
Easter egg decorating workshop.
Performance by Solovejki Choir.
Sun 26 Apr – Ukrainian gathering (in English)
Anniversary of the Chornobyl tragedy.
Journalist Jay Buckley (UK): presentation about his work in Ukraine and his book.
Sun 17 May – Ukrainian-language meeting (in Ukrainian)
Documentary film screening.
Moments from Ukrainian history.
Sun 28 Jun – Ukrainian-language meeting (in Ukrainian)
Ukrainian songs stolen by Russia – history and examples. Community singing.
Oleksandra Himchuk – church choir singer and psychotherapist: presentation of her work.
Sun 26 Jul – Ukrainian-language meeting (in Ukrainian)
Preparing and enjoying varenyky (Ukrainian filled dumplings) together to the sound of Ukrainian music.
Sun 23 Aug – Ukrainian gathering (in English)
Ukraine’s 35th Independence Day.
Presentation: Ukraine – it’s all about U.
Children’s drawing exhibition.
Sun 27 Sep – Ukrainian gathering (in English)
Ukrainian art and culture.
Presentation on Ukrainian art, coffee service, and discussion.
Sun 25 Oct – Ukrainian-language meeting (in Ukrainian)
Ukrainian poetry evening.
Performance by guitar ensemble Sokoly.
Sun 22 Nov – Ukrainian gathering (in English)
Language and faith.
Presentations, coffee service, and discussion.
Sun 20 Dec – Ukrainian gathering (in English)
Christmas – Ukrainian holiday traditions.
The event is organized by the Association of Ukrainians in Northern Ostrobothnia.
The event is part of the Culture Companion2026 programme (Equitable Inclusion Through Volunteering project)
