This weekend Toronto held a Ukrainian festival in Bloor West Village. There was to be a parade Saturday at 11am. I used to goto these events every weekend in Korea so was feeling left out from my regular weekend dose of festivals. I also wanted to try out my new camera before my big Scandinavia trip next week.

There was rain, I didn't know of the parade would go ahead or if I should just stay at home but I ended up going. At one end was a mock 'maidan' display with piled tires for barricades and anti Putin displays.

Bloor St was closed from Jane to Runnymede stations. There were lots of interesting ethnic vendors.

Just after 11 the parade was due to begin and the rain was clearing.

The parade was quite long and colourful, showing lots of Ukrainian heritage.

Some of the cars were decorated in garlands or the tablecloth type embroidery

At the tail end were a lot of Political candidates as we have a Mayoral and Civic Elections in October.

Many Ukrainian youth were also enthusiastic to participate in their local costumes

A surprising inclusion were Crimean Tatars. They were getting lots of cheer and words of support in Ukrainian from the onlooking crowds

Canada has a big Ukrainian population going back to before WWI. In university I wrote a paper in one my my Canadian history classes about how Canada was actively recruiting Ukrainians to settle the Canadian west before WWI as they were used to farming in harsh climates.

There was also a display about how they were later interned during WWI and are now seeking an apology, something I wasn't aware of.

Despite the rain it was an enjoyable event for the parade and ethnic character.