Cultural Festival in Odessa: VidelkaFest 2025
From July 25 to 27, Odessa will become the hub of cultural activities in Ukraine, hosting the third "VidelkaFest". This festival, previously held in Vylkove and Chornomorsk, is making its debut in Odessa, promising three days of vibrant events.
According to the organizers, the Ukrainian PEN has partnered with the festival, which was initiated in 2023. The theme of the third "VidelkaFest" remains unchanged: "Remember. Fight. Nurture.", emphasizing the resilience, dignity, and memory of the Ukrainian people.
The festival program features live performances by contemporary Ukrainian artists, screenings of the best films, literary readings, and public discussions. Participants in the literary program include Valerii Puzik, Marianna Savka, Oleksandr Irvanets, Ostap Slyvynskyi, and many others.
"Odessa is a special place where memory, pain, and strength converge. We want Ukrainian culture to resonate here loudly and sincerely. Culture is our daily frontier that we must maintain," says festival founder Serhii Hnezdilov.
Attendees will witness the musical and poetic performance "Witnesses" by poetess Kateryna Kalytko and Marianna Sadovska, while director Iryna Tsilyk will discuss documentary animation. The festival’s musical stage will feature bands such as "Pyrig and Batih", "Karna", "Actually Alone", and others.
Together with the Dignitas Charity Foundation, "VidelkaFest" aims to raise 3 million UAH for evacuation robotic ground complexes for the 56th separate mechanized brigade. Admission is free, but registration is required due to limited seating.
