This weekend was rich in cultural events for the South of Ukraine. Some cities celebrated their anniversaries; among them are Mykolaiv, Dnipropetrovsk, and Kerch. Koktebel International Jazz Fest is staying on. One of the most colorful and prominent events, that took place (oh! I mean started) at this weekend, was Crimea Velvet Beer Festival-2013.

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The famous city of Ukrainian brides celebrates its 224th anniversary! Congratulations!

On September 14 the city of Mykolaiv marks the occasion of its 224th anniversary. This city is considered to be a major shipbuilding center in southern Ukraine with the population of about 500,000 people. The 4-century saint and Greek bishop Saint Nicholas is believed to be the patron saint of Mykolaiv; the name of the city is closely connected with this Orthodox saint.

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Hi, everyone! International Chocolate Day is celebrated on September, 13, and it’s time to celebrate. No, it’s time for savoring the taste of chocolate, silently, leisurely. In fact, the only one way to celebrate International Chocolate Day exists and that way is by eating this product. Any questions, any objections… One can only choose the kind of chocolate to savor – milk chocolate, meringues, dark chocolate, chocolate-covered fruits and nuts, truffles, candies, soufflés and mousses. All the choices seem great and there is no wrong! » Read more..

The art of embroidery is considered to be one of the most ancient ways of ornamenting clothes and household items. This handicraft has been dated to the 5th-3rd century BC in China. Embroidered clothing had been a mark of wealth in such cultures as India, Byzantium, Persia and medieval Europe. It is mostly used on dress shirts, blankets, stockings, table-linens, towels, skirts, belts and other stuff.  » Read more..

A special position is occupied by motanka dolls (or knotted dolls) among traditional Ukrainian souvenirs. Such old folk dolls are believed to be warding charms of the family, to keep evil spirits away. Motanka doll is not considered to be just a souvenir; it is one of the most ancient family symbols and charms of the Ukrainian family. The secrets of “how-to-make” motanka dolls were hoarded in every family. Unchanged tradition does to this day, and charming Ukrainian ladies often get their own motanka dolls as a gift. » Read more..

Today we are keeping up to talk about a wide variety of different Ukrainian souvenirs. Surely you would surf the Internet to find out the most appropriate wooden craft to gift after our yesterday review. And now after wood its turn to the next popular crafting in Ukraine. Next comes a review of ceramic souvenirs and it is well worth looking at. » Read more..

When visiting Ukraine, tourists always tend to buy something remarkable in order to retain their impressions and memories. Buying souvenirs is a perfect way to accomplish this. Either keeping souvenirs at home or presenting them to your friends in order to share your impressions with them helps to preserve your memories about the country you visited. Ukraine is no exception.

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How to find out what would be your marriage? How to ensure that it will be happy?

It is not so difficult as it seems for the first sight. You just should compare your family to your girlfriend’s one. If the family values are similar, your future marriage has great chance to be successful. So let’s talk on Step2Love about family values in Ukraine. » Read more..

There are some traditions and customs in every culture people should know to avoid the embarrassment or an awkward situation. Ukrainian traditions are no exceptions.  They are similar enough to Western traditions, considering similar life goals and values and moral standards. However, every nation has its own national character, superstitions and lifestyle. Some of these traditions may sound to another culture strange enough and a little bit irrational. It will be remembered that other’s traditions and superstitions are neither good nor bad; they are just cultural patterns “as is”. » Read more..