Palyanitsya and embroidered clothes by the Mediterranean Sea – welcome to PALYANITSA FEST in Netanya on July 25, 2025

On July 25, 2025, Netanya will light up with PALIANYTSIA FEST—a warm, family-friendly celebration of Ukrainian culture organized by Anna Yantovska, where every smile and craft sale helps those affected by war.

Picture this: a scorching summer afternoon, a gentle Mediterranean breeze off the beach, and you’re standing outside the “Tel-Aviv” yeshiva at 30 Shmuel ha-Natsiv Street. All around you, the buzz of artisans setting up stalls, the clang of embroidery hoops, and the irresistible scent of freshly baked palianytsia drifting through the air.

“Wear your vyshyvanka, bring your friends and family—let’s celebrate like we’re in a cozy Ukrainian homestead 💙💛!”

Admission is free.

The Lineup

• Artisan Alley: hand-stitched vyshyvankas, motanky dolls, painted stones—you name it.
• Ukrainian Feast: soul-warming borshch with pampushky, cherry vareniki, and the star of the show—hot, crusty palianytsia.
• Music & Dance: folk ensembles that stir the heart, dancers who’ll have you tapping your feet.
• Puppet Theater: enchanting shows for kids, where handcrafted puppets come to life.
• Hands-On Workshops: from embroidery to canvas painting—make your own keepsake.
• “Vyshyvanka Hut” Photo Zone: snap family portraits with authentic Ukrainian décor.

What Is Palianytsia?

More than bread—it’s a symbol of home and hospitality. A crunchy crust kissed by a hint of char, a soft, airy crumb inside, and that signature “peak” slash that lets steam escape.

1. Origins: from the verb “palyty” (“to burn”)—the edges char just enough to fill the air with nostalgia.
2. Flavor & Texture: crisp exterior, pillowy interior, a whisper of sweetness mingled with smoky notes.
3. Ritual: it’s torn by hand, shared in a circle, a wish for prosperity passed with every piece.
4. Folklore: legend says leaving crumbs steals luck, while a whole loaf brings abundance.
5. Regional Twist: in Western Ukraine, rye flour darkens the loaf and makes it heartier.

Palianytsia as a Shibboleth

When aggression hit in 2022, “palianytsia” became a quick litmus test for authenticity:

• The soft “ya” in “pa-lya-ny-tsia” can trip up non-native tongues.
• Common slip-ups: “pelyanytsia,” “pelenytsia,” or swapping “ts” for “t͡s.”
• At checkpoints and aid stations, a flawless pronunciation meant “friend,” a stumble meant “stranger.”
• Today it stands for unity—projects and platforms bearing the name raise funds for those displaced by war.

Why You Can’t Miss It

You might wonder, “Why travel to Netanya for Ukrainian bread?” Because it’s more than dough. It’s laughter under embroidered canopies, impromptu bandura tunes by the sea, and strangers becoming friends over shared crumbs.

• Feel Ukraine’s heartbeat thousands of kilometers from home.
• Strike a pose in your vyshyvanka against the blue-yellow banners.
• Support families rebuilding their lives—one festival ticket at a time.

How to Join

• When & Where: July 25, 2025 | 12:00–17:00 | 30 Shmuel ha-Natsiv St., Netanya
• Dress Code: vyshyvanka encouraged, not required
• Bring: comfy shoes, a tote for souvenirs, and your camera
• Share: tag #PalianytsiaFest to join the online party

Facebook Event: facebook.com/events/740083378568758/

PALIANYTSIA FEST—where bread builds bridges between Ukraine and Israel, one slice at a time.