On March 21, the world celebrates World Poetry Day, a holiday established during the 30th session of the UNESCO General Conference in 1999. Poetry is the embodiment of the human spirit that unites and strengthens society.
Vinnytsia region is famous for its talents - local poets have glorified their native land through the power of words. Their works inspire, bring joy and inspire faith in a better future for Ukraine.
On March 20, 30 students from the Vinnytsia Center for Vocational Education and Design and Vinnytsia Vocational School No. 7 took part in the open mic “Our Word is a Weapon!” organized by the Vinnytsia Regional Library named after V. Atamanovsky.
The event was held within the framework of the National Poetry Reading Week 2025 “Song of a Thousand Voices” organized by the Ukrainian Book Institute under the slogan: “How did it all begin? She spoke about courage and weapons. She doesn't even have a voice - she has a polyphony”, which is a line from a poem by contemporary Ukrainian writer Serhiy Zhadan.
This poetry event brought together poets from the countryside, members of the Vinnytsia regional organization of the National Union of Writers of Ukraine, aspiring poets, literary critics, bard singers, military personnel, volunteers, creative youth and poetry lovers.
The author's song “Sons and Sons” was performed by Zoya Krasulyak, a poet, composer, singer-bard, member of the National Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs of Ukraine, mother of sons who are currently defending Ukraine.
During the event, poetry by Vinnytsia poets Larysa Sychko and Lyudmyla Brendak was performed by Vitaliy Kyrnytskyi, a soldier of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, a member of the Association of Entertainers, and Mykola Vashchyshyn, an officer of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, a combatant in the Russian-Ukrainian war who is currently undergoing rehabilitation.
Musical greetings on the occasion came from Tetiana Skomarovska, a singer-bard, composer, member of the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine, and volunteer. Ms. Skomarovska sang songs to the lyrics of Zhana Dmytrenko and Halyna Potuplyak.
Talented Vinnytsia poets Oleksandra Kostiuk, Alyona Nikitina, Oleh Krushelnytskyi, and Oksana Lykhohlyad also recited their poetry.
Natalia Datsyshina, a poet and storyteller, Roman Kostiuk, a poet, and Oksana Movchan, a poet originally from Kharkiv, presented their work at an open mic for the first time in the regional library.
Truly, the poetry that was performed today in the regional library intertwined strength and courage, love and understanding, as well as unquenchable hatred for the enemy. These poetic lines have absorbed the depth of the pain of the Ukrainian people. They embody national dignity and indomitable spirit.
Together to Victory! Glory to Ukraine!
