Colors of Lviv - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

Lvov is an ancient city of unique cultural traditions and of unspeakable charming beauty. Annually the local people enjoy numerous exciting events and fests. The Annual City Beer Festival, the Day of Batyar, the Annual Wine and Cheese Fest, the feast of pampukh are the most exciting events. Apart of these the city presents events for true music lovers, the fans of gastronomic tourism and for those wishing to enjoy city culture and get some unique souvenirs.

Annually the city of Lvov is visited by thousands of beer fans. During the Annual City Beer Festival anybody gets a chance not only to try the best sorts of beer but to find out the secrets of its brewing. Within the event great many of exhibitions, lectures and master-classes are held. Expert brewers eagerly share their experience with the public. Another exciting national feast is the Day of Batyar. In the middle of 19th century the batyars were called the street artists performing in the streets of the city the exciting and bright music and dancing shows.

The culture of street artists was a marked contrast to that one characteristic to the edge of the 19th – 20th centuries. Rhythmic music and dancing, original suits and unusual themes of the songs, audacious humor and untranslatable pun have always attracted to the performances many visitors. The batyars or the musician-humorists are still among the main symbols of Lvov. Tourists wishing to get to know the batyars and their culture better should visit Lvov in the beginning of May. The main festive events are held on the Lvov Market Square. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

The name of the Annual Wine and Cheese Fest speaks for itself – this is a genuine paradise for gourmands. The cheese is one of the most favorite ethnic delicacies. Local cheese factories produce the special cheese sorts following the ancient recipes. Regardless of the fact that Lvov does not rate now among significant wine-producing areas, the wine is still the favorite drink of local people. The golden age of Lvov winemaking fell at the end of the 17th century. Then the largest part of the city was occupied with vineyards. As a renowned merchant center Lvov attracted international producers thus local people got the rarest sorts of European wines for sale.

In course of time the climate of the city changed and the vineyards ceased cropping as before however the local folks have preserved the passion to the exquisite wine. In their opinion neither food except cheese can help accentuate the taste and flavor of astonishing wines. The feast of pampukh is the same exiting gastronomy fest being totally dedicated to the ethnic treat – the pampushki (or Russian donuts).

They also love music in Lviv - in particular, jazz, which is evidenced by the two-week Leopolis Jazz Fest. Starting at the end of June and ending at the beginning of the second summer month, it is the most significant musical event in the entire region. A visit to the festival is a great opportunity to hear popular hits from world-famous performers and discover new names in music, as well as improve guitar playing at master classes. At that time, three open-air stages are set up on Market Square, in Bohdan Khmelnytskyi Central Park, and near the Potocki Palace.

Another festival will be interesting for gourmets - namely, the Chocolate Festival. During its holding (usually, at the beginning of March), in the Palace of Arts, you can not only taste great dishes from the "subject of the occasion", but also see interesting hand-made figures of it and create a chocolate work of art on your own. The festival is very popular with the smallest ones, so when traveling to Lviv in early March, it is certainly worth taking children with you. The Coffee Festival is of special interest too. The coffee fair starts in mid-September on Market Square. Here you can choose the best coffee after tasting hundreds of varieties from different manufacturers, see barista competitions, and cheer up for the Coffee King and Queen. Beer lovers, in their turn, will appreciate the Beer Festival that is held in early May, unlike the famous German Oktoberfest. !FESTrepublic Club has served as the venue for many years already. Here, visitors can taste craft beers from local and global manufacturers, listen to good music, and learn a lot of interesting facts about beer-drinking culture. Besides, visitors to the festival can enjoy an exhibition of vinyl records and beer brewing workshops. The festival's warm family atmosphere contributes to getting great impressions, getting to know local people and just having a good time with them.

Among the cultural events, such an event as "Shevchenko Days" stands out. As the name implies, the festival is dedicated to one of the most significant figures in the life of Ukraine - Taras Shevchenko. Colorful events are organized here on March 9, the writer’s birthday. Thematic exhibitions are held in art galleries and museums, classical music concerts are organized in the Lviv National Philharmonic, and a festive atmosphere hovers in the air. An important part of the festival is a competition of young poets and artists. Another interesting event in the cultural life of Lviv is Lviv Fashion Week, which is held twice a year - in late March and late October. The museum and cultural complex “Lvivarnya” becomes the main venue where designer outfits are shown to those interested in fashion.