Veselka Krain (Rainbow of Countries) 2024-2025

Finally, on Friday, 22 November, the hall of the Institute of International Relations was filled with hundreds of students, teachers and guests who came to the most important event of this autumn - the Rainbow of Countries 2024! 

The most anticipated event of autumn was also attended by foreign guests, namely:

• Barakat Elleitly, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Egypt to Ukraine;
• Audencio Contreras Gonzalez, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Mexico to Ukraine;
• Francesco Pesce, Chargé d'Affaires of Italy in Ukraine. 

The theme of this year's Rainbow was legends and myths from around the world. The educational programmes represented the following countries:

• International business - Mexico;
• International economic relations - China;
• International relations - Denmark;
• International Regional Studies - Ireland;
• International Law - Greece;
• International Communications - Egypt. 

Traditionally, Veselka began with a fair, during which each team presented its country, the corresponding national cuisine and a bright stand decorated according to the country's theme. It was at this point that an important component of the event began - fundraising for the Armed Forces of Ukraine! All the money raised during the fair also became a part of this charitable goal.

Then, of course, the most interesting part began - the performances of the participating teams! Theatre, music, dance and more... Here is how the Rainbow of Countries went, according to the teams themselves:

International Business Team (Mexico): ‘Colour, innovation and unbridled energy - this is how Mexico appeared in the performance of this year's winners, the International Business team. IB gave the audience an all-encompassing ‘Mexican experience’: tasting tacos, a fascinating stand design with a real altar, and a carnival with dancers in colourful outfits. The main trump card, however, was the staging - an open finale with an unexpected appearance of the Mexican ambassador himself on stage.’

International Economic Relations Team (China): ‘The MER team opened the veil of time and plunged into the mysterious atmosphere of ancient China, where history comes to life, traditions are breathtaking, the strong never give up and reach the top! Our viewers and we received vivid emotions, experience and pleasant memories from rehearsals, performances, cuisine and the whole event, and this is the main thing!’

International Relations Team (Denmark): ‘The performance of the IR team was not only an opportunity to learn more about Denmark, but also a great opportunity to enjoy live emotions, immerse ourselves in the atmosphere of the sagas and try something completely new from Danish cuisine. The team worked on the preparation for several months, of course, it was very difficult at times, but we went through all the difficulties together, so it was an incredibly exciting and interesting experience for each member of our team.’

International Regional Studies Team (Ireland): ‘A leprechaun with a pot of enchanted gold, pointy-eared fairies, a banshee's scream that predicts death - that's what Ireland was like this year. We immersed the audience in the atmosphere of a Celtic fairy tale, telling them a heartbreaking story of boundless love and all-encompassing grief. Creating shared memories and leaving an imprint in the hearts of everyone who saw MR's performance was our primary goal, and we certainly succeeded.’

International Law Team (Greece): ‘The IL team tapped into the treasury of ancient Greece and presented the audience with a real show about formidable gods and fragile muses - all about how deities create their own destinies independently, just like people, which makes them closer to the earth, even though they live high on Olympus. And the masterpieces of Greek cuisine did not leave anyone indifferent - delicious gyros and magical gods' stuffing went down well with the guests of Rainbow of Countries.'

International Communications Team (Egypt): ‘This event was a symbol of our unity and ability to turn ideas into reality. The IK team not only created an exciting Egyptian atmosphere, but also demonstrated that the highest goals are achievable when everyone works with heart and soul. ‘Veselka is an example of how teamwork, perseverance and inspiration can create something truly unique. We are proud of what we have achieved together and sincerely thank everyone who has joined us on this incredible journey.’

The international business team representing Mexico won the competition!

But let's not forget about the charity component of the event: we managed to raise more than UAH 307 thousand for the Armed Forces of Ukraine! The prize for the largest donation went to the International Relations team representing Denmark.  During the auction, a painting by GUNIA project was sold for 73 thousand hryvnias, which will be used for the needs of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

We are grateful to the organising team, partners and everyone who joined this year's Rainbow!