Pain, Ukraine, Solidarité: Event in Lyon highlights Ukrainian bread traditions
Photo source: Facebook / Consulate General of Ukraine in Lyon
Ukrainian bread traditions took center stage at the "Pain, Ukraine, Solidarité" event hosted at the Malva restaurant in Lyon, France. Ukrainian chef Olha Kruchak presented guests with traditional pastries, including palianytsia, korovai, pampushky, 13 types of bread, and a poppy-seed roll.
According to Rubryka, the Consulate General of Ukraine in Lyon initiated the event and shared details on its Facebook page.
Consul General of Ukraine in Lyon Serhii Esaulov emphasized the special significance of bread in Ukrainian culture.
"Bread is much more than just a food product. It is a symbol of life, labor, prosperity, family warmth, and hospitality. It unites generations, nations, and cultures," the diplomat noted.
Photo source: Facebook / Consulate General of Ukraine in Lyon
Distinguished participants attending the event included:
- Consul General of Poland Robert Drzazga
- Consul General of Portugal Joy Marco de Deus
- Honorary Consul of Brazil Olivier Coste
- Vice President of the Lyon Metropolis, Olivier Arujo
- Mayor of the 9th arrondissement of Lyon Emmanuelle Girault
Representatives of the business community, Ukrainian associations, and Ukrainian artists also joined the event.
During the gathering, attendees learned about the diversity of Ukrainian bread traditions—from the ancient custom of welcoming guests with bread and salt to regional pastry varieties and family rituals associated with bread.
Ukrainian chef Olha Kruchak prepared the culinary portion of the meeting, serving traditional Ukrainian dishes and baked goods, specifically palianytsia, korovai, pampushky, 13 varieties of bread, and poppy seed roll.
Preserving historical memory formed a dedicated theme of the event, particularly honoring the victims of the 1932–1933 Holodomor—one of the most tragic chapters in Ukraine's history. Serhii Esaulov stressed the importance of honoring those who perished during the Holodomor and recognizing the historical gravity of the tragedy.
During the meeting, the Consul General also drew attention to contemporary challenges stemming from Russia's war against Ukraine, notably:
- Threats to navigation security in the Black Sea
- Blockades of Ukrainian grain export routes
- Attacks on port infrastructure
According to Serhii Esaulov, these actions not only hinder the export of Ukrainian agricultural products but also pose direct risks to global food security.
Фото: Фейсбук / Генеральне консульство України в Ліоні
"Ukrainian bread is not only a part of national culture, but also the result of the hard work of millions of people and a key factor in ensuring global food security," the Consul General underlined.
The operations of the Kyiv-based inclusive bakery, Good Bread from Good People, were another key focus of the event. Catherine Guérin, General Director of the Paul Bocuse Foundation, presented the bakery's work.
The bakery creates employment opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities while providing free baked goods to civilians in Ukraine's frontline regions.
To support the initiative, organizers held a charity auction featuring bread-themed paintings created by artist Natali Kuruch. Proceeds raised during the auction will go to the Good Bread from Good People volunteer association.
Photo source: Facebook / Consulate General of Ukraine in LyonBackground
It should be noted that, to mark Independence Day in Ukraine, creators crafted "Bread of Three Eras"—a baked product that combines culinary traditions from Kyivan Rus, the Hetmanate, and the Ukrainian People's Republic. The project aims to highlight the continuity of Ukrainian statehood, with all sales profits directed toward supporting Ukrainian military personnel released from captivity.
It was also reported that the Franco-Ukrainian Association in Southern France (AFUCA) organized a culinary masterclass for residents, in which French friends of Ukraine learned to make traditional varenyky under the guidance of a professional chef.
