From 17 to 21 September 2026, the City of Varennes-Vauzelles, France, devoted a new edition of its cultural and civic event “1001 Cultures” to Ukraine. For five days, residents were invited to discover Ukrainian culture, traditions, history and contemporary life through exhibitions, workshops, performances, music, gastronomy and encounters.
This year’s edition was placed under the theme “1001 Cultures – In Solidarity with Ukraine”, reflecting the City’s commitment to cultural dialogue, international friendship and peace.
Discovering Ukraine through culture
Throughout the event, the Centre Gérard Philipe and the surrounding municipal spaces became places for encounters with Ukrainian culture.
The programme offered a wide range of activities: an exhibition on the treasures of Ukrainian museums, a collection of postcards showing Ukraine before and after the war, and an exhibition dedicated to Ukrainian authors. Visitors could also take part in a traditional Ukrainian dance workshop, discover Ukrainian cuisine and learn how to prepare the traditional borscht, enjoy theatre and concerts, and meet Ukrainian citizens living in France.
Theatre also provided an opportunity to approach the experience of the war through personal stories. The performance “Ukraine, mon amour”, featuring Ukrainian actress Irina Lytiak and François Mayet and directed by Émilie Alfieri, explored the impact of the war on relationships, careers and personal lives.
A concrete act of solidarity
The 2026 edition was not limited to cultural discovery. It also provided an opportunity for the people of Varennes-Vauzelles to take concrete action in support of people affected by the war.
On 19 and 20 September, the City, together with the associations 58 Solidarité Ukraine and Fraternité Nièvre Ukraine, launched a solidarity collection intended to support inhabitants of the Ukrainian city of Mariupol.
The collection focused particularly on everyday hygiene products, including shampoo and shower gel, toothpaste and toothbrushes, soap, washing powder, sanitary products, wet wipes, as well as nappies for babies and adults.
Through this initiative, cultural exchange was accompanied by practical solidarity: discovering a country and its people also meant responding, at a local level, to the needs of those affected by the conflict.
A partnership between Varennes-Vauzelles and Murafa
The programme also highlighted the close relationship established between Varennes-Vauzelles and the Ukrainian city of Murafa.
Representatives of Murafa took part in the event, presenting a creative workshop and an exhibition of drawings made by children from the Ukrainian municipality. These activities offered an opportunity for children and residents to express themselves through art and to build bridges between the two communities.
On 20 September, Varennes-Vauzelles and Murafa took a further step in their relationship with the signing of an international cooperation charter, formalising their commitment to developing cooperation and friendship between the two cities.
Culture as a pathway to peace
The Ukrainian edition of 1001 Cultures also formed part of Varennes-Vauzelles’ broader commitment to peace.
Since 2023, the city has strengthened its involvement in initiatives promoting peace, remembrance and international dialogue. This includes its participation in the Mayors for Peace network and the organisation of commemorative and educational activities dedicated to the victims of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
The five-day programme concluded on 21 September, the United Nations International Day of Peace, at the city’s Esplanade de la Paix. A new peace tree, a Viburnum opulus (European cranberry bush), was planted in the presence of elected representatives, children involved in the city’s peace initiatives and representatives of the Embassy of Ukraine in France. The ceremony was followed by a moment of friendship featuring Ukrainian-inspired refreshments and readings.
Building bridges through culture and solidarity
With this edition of 1001 Cultures, Varennes-Vauzelles demonstrated that a local cultural event can become a space for international dialogue, remembrance and solidarity.
By giving a voice to Ukrainian culture and its people, welcoming Ukrainian partners, supporting humanitarian initiatives and strengthening cooperation with Murafa, the city sought to build bridges between communities. 1001 Cultures 2026 was therefore more than a celebration of Ukrainian culture. It was an invitation to discover, understand, share and stand together in solidarity — with the conviction that culture, friendship between cities and the commitment of citizens can all contribute to building a more peaceful world.
Copyright: City of Varennes-Vauzelles