I lived in the Kirovoghad Oblast of Ukraine in 2018-19. I was privileged to be the only American team member of the Baba Yelka Cultural Expedition, a group of explorers documenting and preserving the songs, stories, recipes and material culture of remote Ukrainian villages. Traditions there live in the practices and memories of villagers, mostly grand mothers. The Baba Yelka team is racing against time and unthinkable war to preserve Kirovoghad’s rich cultural history to inform and enrich future generations.

Learn about Baba Yelka: https://babayelka.kr.ua