Today, on World Vyshyvanka Day, millions of Ukrainians around the world proudly wear their vyshyvankas – honoring the beauty, symbolism, and deep history woven into every stitch of Ukrainian embroidery.
For generations, UNWLA members have been dedicated to preserving and promoting Ukrainian embroidery traditions across the United States. From community embroidery workshops and educational programs to the preservation of historic vyshyvankas in the Ukrainian Museum’s collection, Ukrainian women continue to cherish and protect this living heritage. Because vyshyvanka is far more than decorative clothing — it carries centuries of history, identity, memory, and resilience.
On this 20th anniversary of World Vyshyvanka Day, we are honored to share a recording of our conversation with Lesia Voroniuk, the founder of this global celebration. During the meeting, she spoke about the origins of World Vyshyvanka Day and the many initiatives launched by her organization to preserve the heritage of Ukrainian embroidery and ensure that vyshyvankas are seen, understood, and celebrated both in Ukraine and around the world.
>> This month, Lesia Voroniuk will be meeting with local communities in California and Florida. We invite you to join her events.
Today, World Vyshyvanka Day is far more than a one-day celebration — it has become a global movement dedicated to preserving and promoting Ukrainian heritage.
Lesia Voroniuk and her team have produced three documentaries exploring the history of the vyshyvanka and its deep significance for the Ukrainian nation. The films are publicly available on YouTube and linked below for your convenience.
On the occasion of World Vyshyvanka Day, Ukrainian National Women’s League of America Branch 147 in the Austin–San Antonio area is launching a national cultural initiative dedicated to collecting, digitizing, and preserving the stories of Ukrainian vyshyvankas brought to the United States through war, emigration, and today’s ongoing events in Ukraine.
We say Ukraine, and we see Vyshyvanka. 💙💛
