Just as the typical holiday season seems to be wrapping up for most, Dauphin keeps the party going!

The first couple of weeks in January are important to many Dauphin residents as much of our history lies in the roots and experience of Ukrainian settlers. Ukrainian Christmas (January 7) and New Year’s Eve (January 14) are centuries-old traditions based on the Julian calendar. Some families still celebrate the traditional Christmas dinner or “Sviata Vicheria” which is a 12-dish meal in honor of the 12 apostles and is free from meat or dairy.

If you are listening to our local radio station (www.730ckdm.com) or reading the Dauphin Herald during these next few days you will probably hear and read greetings in Ukrainian. This is a unique tradition that happens every year in our community and is a reminder of our cultural roots..

So, why is there a strong Ukrainian influence in our community? Our Ukrainian roots were planted in 1896 with the settlement at Trembowla.  The current issue of ‘Canada’s History’ magazine includes a feature article on our Ukrainian Heritage and why touches on why the Ukrainian experience is such a big part of our local heritage.   Purchase a copy of the magazine to share with friends or family. For you can also access a snapshop of the article HERE.

If you are looking to ring in the New Year once again, check out the Ukrainian Orthodox Young Men’s Society’s annual Malanka (Mall-lawn-kaw) celebration, Sat Jan 14th at the 8th Avenue Hall in Dauphin. Refreshments start at 5:30, followed by dinner at 7, and High Profile takes the stage at 9! Advance tickets only, get yours for only $30 each from any UOYMS member or call Ruff’s Furniture at 638-6225! Ring in the New Year with the Ukrainian Orthodox Young Men’s Society’s annual Malanka (Mall-lawn-kaw) celebration, Sat Jan 14th at the 8th Avenue Hall in Dauphin. Refreshments start at 5:30, followed by dinner at 7, and High Profile takes the stage at 9! Advance tickets only, get yours for only $30 each from any UOYMS member or call Ruff’s Furniture at 638-6225! Ring in the New Year with the Ukrainian Orthodox Young Men’s Society’s annual Malanka (Mall-lawn-kaw) celebration, Sat Jan 14th at the 8th Avenue Hall in Dauphin. Refreshments start at 5:30, followed by dinner at 7, and High Profile takes the stage at 9! Advance tickets only, get yours for only $30 each from any UOYMS member or call Ruff’s Furniture at 638-6225!

Ring in the New Year with the Ukrainian Orthodox Young Men’s Society’s annual Malanka (Mall-lawn-kaw) celebration, Sat Jan 14th at the 8th Avenue Hall in Dauphin. Refreshments start at 5:30, followed by dinner at 7, and High Profile takes the stage at 9! Advance tickets only, get yours for only $30 each from any UOYMS member or call Ruff’s FurThere are many other events and activities that happen year round in our community that celebrate our Ukrainian heritage. If you are looking for some fabulous perogies and the opportunity to show off your polka moves, you might want to pick up tickets for the 2012 Canada’s National Ukrainian Festival www.cnuf.ca or contact Tourism Dauphin to book small group Ukrainian Experiences year round.

To all of our fellow Ukies out there, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!