Ukrainian Cultural Festival

{student life}

The Ukrainian Cultural Festival

An interview with Kostiantyn Rymar

by Josephine Dowd '25, photos by Liz Dowdy '23

In preparation for the upcoming Ukrainian cultural festival, I interviewed one of the festival organizers, Saint John’s College Kostiantyn Rymar. He shared with me some of his fondest Ukrainian traditions, how his life in the U.S. compares with Ukrainian life, and his views on the invasion of his home country.

One tradition Kostia mentioned described how couples would show the strength of their partnership by placing flower crowns in a stream, and, together, jump over bonfires. Kostia also highlighted how his family upbringing differed from those of his friends, such as how he lived in a big city while some of his friends lived in smaller villages. During the Easter holidays, he and his family would enjoy Easter bread together and go to different workshops and potteries to paint eggs.

As an Annapolis resident, Kostia has encountered contrasting personal attitudes between the U.S. and Ukraine. He noted a different type of straightforwardness and sarcasm between the two peoples. Ukrainians get to the point and convey messages much faster without being unnecessarily blunt, and he jokingly said that you can’t tell if someone is being sarcastic or sincere. On the other hand, he believes U.S. residents tend to be more genuine and courteous. Kostia was troubled, however, by how many people drive in Annapolis; he used to walk everywhere, and has yet to get a driver’s license. He had planned to go back to Ukraine to get his license; however, once Russia’s war on Ukraine accelerated, he has opted to wait until he absolutely can’t go without it.

Reflecting on the invasion, Kostia expressed his ambivalence. He shared his sadness, shock, pain, and anger over the brutality against his loved ones. He described how “people were treated worse than people usually treat objects” and he is unsettled by the amount of bloodshed and hate over this period. He spoke of his mother’s bravery as evidence of Ukrainians’ strength and determination, and he said she was not worried about the situation or getting family members within Ukraine to safety.

With regards to the SJC community in Annapolis, Kostia said many people on campus have given him much support. However, though the response has mostly been positive from students and Tutors alike, there have been instances of ignorance, with people “talking about something they don’t know.” Kostia hoped the festival could provide cultural resources, so others could better learn and understand Ukraine.

The event was a success. The Ukrainian cultural festival allowed the SJC community to embrace Ukrainian culture. The festival was filled with contributions ranging from art, including music, paintings, and various writings, to foods and much more. With Ukraine suffering a significant loss of life and resources, the festival also raised money through a variety of organizations and charities supporting Ukraine including Ukrainian Red Cross, Save the Children, and Fight for Right. And, as a thank-you gift, students were given Ukrainian-designed notebooks and bookmarks!