Standing With Ukraine at the Annual Asian Festival

Showcasing Ukrainian embroidery at the Annual Asian Festival. From left to right, Olya Nevinska, Khrystyna Shkudor, Nataliia Baker, and Irene Amrine. Photos by Christina Scherer.

The Annual Asian Festival at the Waterfront in Scottsdale, Arizona, was a dazzling celebration of cultural heritage, bringing together diverse traditions, performances, and cuisine. This year’s festival had a special moment of unity, as attendees not only honored Asian cultures but also stood in solidarity with Ukraine.

The highlight of the event was the breathtaking fashion show, where traditional attire from various Asian countries was showcased. The fashion show opened with inclusion of Ukrainian embroidery which was a powerful statement of cultural appreciation and global unity. Models gracefully walked the runway in vibrant silk kimonos, intricate Indian saris, elegant Chinese qipaos, and beautifully embroidered Ukrainian vyshyvankas completed with elaborate “vinok” (head wreath) kindly donated by Cindy Brower of Cossack Cowgirl. The fusion of cultures on stage underscored the message that beauty and tradition transcend borders.

Beyond the runway, the festival featured a bustling marketplace filled with vendors offering handcrafted goods, artisanal jewelry, and authentic Asian cuisine. Cactus and Tryzub also featured a fundraising booth for Razom for Ukraine. Amid the lively celebration, the festival served as a reminder that cultural appreciation and advocacy can go hand in hand, bringing communities together in support of a brighter, more united world.