Ukraine opened its first hospitality house at the 2024 Olympics in Paris, named Volia Space, to showcase its culture and raise awareness about the ongoing war with Russia. The house will host concerts by Ukrainian artists and offer traditional cuisine, including the famous borsch soup. The opening event was attended by around 100 guests who showed their support by chanting slogans like “Viva la France” and “Glory to Ukraine.” The facility is expected to serve as the headquarters of Ukraine in Paris during the Olympic Games, hosting public talks and statements by Ukrainian and foreign officials.
The opening ceremony of Ukraine’s house began with the national anthem and a minute of silence for the fallen soldiers, a tradition widely observed in Ukraine. French sports minister, Amelie Oudea-Castera, expressed support for Ukraine and its athletes, emphasizing the importance of celebrating Ukrainian culture in the face of destruction attempts by Russia. The house will feature screenings of documentaries, such as the Oscar-winning “20 Days in Mariupol, aimed at helping global audiences understand Ukraine’s experience during the war. The initiative is part of a larger effort to showcase Ukraine’s resilience and determination in the face of adversity.
Ukrainian officials expressed gratitude towards the French government for their support and reassurance of safety for visitors to the hospitality house. The location is one of 15 national team clubhouses in Parc de la Villette, creating a mini-World’s Fair on the outskirts of Paris. The house is dedicated to celebrating Ukrainian culture and promoting awareness about the ongoing conflict with Russia, emphasizing the importance of solidarity and unity in the face of adversity. The goal is to provide a platform for dialogue and cultural exchange during the Olympic Games.
The hospitality house aims to highlight Ukraine’s rich cultural heritage and artistic talent, showcasing performances by Ukrainian musicians and artists. The traditional soup borsch, declared an “intangible cultural heritage” by UNESCO, will be served to visitors, offering a taste of Ukrainian cuisine. The house will also host events such as film screenings and public talks, providing a platform for discussions on the war and its impact on Ukrainian society. The initiative seeks to engage global audiences and raise awareness about the challenges faced by Ukraine in the current geopolitical context.
Ukrainian Olympic head, Vadym Guttsait, reflected on the country’s journey since the start of the war in February 2022, emphasizing the resilience and determination of Ukrainian athletes. He highlighted the significance of Ukraine’s participation in the Olympics as a symbol of strength and survival. The hospitality house serves as a testament to Ukraine’s spirit and resilience, showcasing the country’s culture and heritage on a global platform. The event is part of a broader effort to promote understanding and solidarity with Ukraine, emphasizing the importance of cultural exchange and dialogue in times of conflict. Through initiatives like Volia Space, Ukraine aims to showcase its unique identity and strength to the world.
