On Sunday, December 10th, the Christmas craft fair took place in Krakow. The event was organized by the United Nations Association of Ukraine together with partner civil society organizations. UAinKrakow.pl recounts how the event unfolded.
How were the participants chosen
The event was held for the second time. As it is an integration event, participants were invited from both Ukraine and Poland. This year, they wanted to showcase the work of over 70 artisans. However, due to limited space available for presenting their products, the organizers had to select among the eager participants.
„Today at the fair, you can see the works of 46 craftswomen. There was a prior registration process. Those interested sent us their works. We evaluated whether they corresponded to the theme of the fair and invited those whose products are associated with Christmas,” said Elina Kostina, a representative of the United Nations Association of Ukraine.
Among the objectives of the fair are the integration of Ukrainian craftswomen into the Polish „professional” environment and providing them with a free platform to showcase their products. Not everyone can afford to participate in the traditional fair held in the main square of the city, but for those who exhibit their crafts, it is crucial. For them, it’s not just an opportunity to earn extra income but also to showcase their creativity to a wide audience.
Christmas baking from Mrs. Ioanna from Odessa
Mrs. Ioanna came to Krakow from Odessa. She worked as a primary school teacher there for 29 years. In Poland, she couldn’t find a job in her field, so for the past two years, she has been pursuing her passion – baking holiday treats. And for the second year in a row, she has been selling them at the Krakow Christmas fair organized by the United Nations Association of Ukraine.
„Last year, I really liked it here – the organization, the participants, and the atmosphere. Last year, my husband helped me with baking and selling, but this year I did everything myself. I baked holiday gingerbread cookies for the Christmas tree, decorated in Ukrainian, 'patriotic’ colors – the colors of our flag,” says Ioanna Ilchenko.
Handmade soap in the shape of oranges, pine cones, snowflakes
Larysa Lytvyn from Kyiv. She has been passionate about soap making for three years now. It’s her hobby, which she pursues in her free time from work. She says she’s very happy to be a participant in the Krakow craft fair.
„This is my first fair ever, even though I’ve been doing various crafts for many years. Specifically for this fair, I made soap that will perfectly complement the New Year and Christmas interior,” says Mrs. Larysa.
Fragrant Christmas wreaths
Yana Tsapuk presented Christmas wreaths at the Christmas fair, which she makes every year. She explains that each one is unique because she never makes the same one twice. They can be used to decorate tables and doors.
„Especially for the fair, I made 12 wreaths. They consist of three types of plants: fir, mistletoe, and eucalyptus – very fragrant. I’ve been engaged in this hobby for about 7 years. I started doing it back in Ukraine. I usually made Christmas wreaths as gifts for friends and for charity fairs,” says craftswoman Yana.
Not only Christmas products
In addition to handmade soap, Christmas wreaths, and festive baking, the fair featured a wide selection of exclusive knitted items, ethnic-style decorations, painted eco-bags, souvenirs, and Christmas tree decorations. There was also an information booth where visitors could learn about the services and activities of the Galyna Nets Legal Aid Center and „Voice Amplified”. Guests were entertained by the creative studio students of the „Zustrіcz” Foundation – a children’s ensemble led by Halyna Kozar and the children’s theatrical group „New Day”, who sang Ukrainian songs and performed scenes.
This publication was prepared with the support of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The content of this publication is the sole responsibility of UAinKrakow.pl and cannot be considered to reflect the views of UNHCR in any way. For more information about UNHCR and the assistance available in Poland, visit: https://help.unhcr.org/poland/en/
You can also read this article in Ukrainian
Text, photo: Liudmyla Lutytska
