Memorial Ucraniano

Located in Tingüi Parque, the Ukrainian Memorial pays tribute to Ukrainian immigrants in Curitiba. Opened in 1995, which commemorated the centenary of the arrival of these immigrants to Curitiba.

The memorial is based around a replica of the church of St. Michael the Archangel, a traditional Ukrainian style house, an outdoor stage where performances take place, a souvenir shop which is in a traditional Ukrainian house and the entrace way portal.  All of the buildings are made from wood and built in the Ukrainian style.

Traditional festivities and folkloric performances happen on Holy Saturday (Blessing of Food).  In August there is the National Party of Ukraine, in October there is the Harvest Festival and in November there is the Feast of St. Nicholas.   These festivals are definitely worth coming to if you are in the city. 

While in the area, it is also worth visiting the Historical Sector, which has many other historical buildings, fountains and statues.  This neighborhood is the original center of the city, and thus has the majority of the historical buildings.

The Church of St. Michael the Archangel

The church of St. Michael was built in the late 19th century by the Ukrainian immigrant community of Sierra del Tigre.  The chuch is one of the oldest Ukrainian buildings in Brazil. It is based off a typical a Byzantine architectural style, traditionally used in the Orthodox Slavs. It has an octagonal dome and a bronze bell outside. The replica of the church has no religious function but inside there are displays of religious icons, and a collection of Ukrainian pysanky and crafts.

History about the Ukraine Immigration in Curitiba

In the late 19th century, Ukraine was a country divided, dominated and oppressed by the Russian czars or the Austro-Hungarian emperors. They were banned publications or public demonstrations in the Ukrainian language. Political demonstrations were punished. At that time, many Ukrainians sought shelter outside Europe. Ukrainian communities were formed in Australia, Canada, USA, Argentina, Brazil and other countries.

In Parana, the majority of Ukrainian immigrants arrived after 1895. It is estimated that there were more than 20 000 immigrants and these formed communities, especially in municipalities of Curitiba, Mallet, Prudhoe, União da Vitória, Roncador and Pato Branco.

In Curitiba, some families had immigrated early, in 1876 and another small group arrived in 1891, while most arrived between 1895 and 1897, and came from Galicia, in western Ukraine. They settled in the Field of Galicia, aptly named after the area they left and also the entire neighborhood of Bigorrilho, where there is now a plaza dedicated to Ukraine.

The are of Brazil in which they immigrated into was mostly forest and there were many language difficulties for many.  Like many immigrants, they found it a strange land and  had difficulties finding the necessary resources. The greatest support came from the church that sent priests and initiated a process of social integration.

Address:
Between the streets Fredolin Wolf and Jose Valle

Phone:
Tel: (41) 3335-2112 and 3321-3313

Opening Hours:
Daily 8am to 6pm

More Photos of Memorial Ucraniano

Map of Memorial Ucraniano