Frau Borscht in Germany: Ukrainian Singer Prepares 'Tasty' Album and Collects Aid for Armed Forces

Yaryna Sonyachna, a Ukrainian singer who has been living in Germany since 2022, has become well-known among local residents under the nicknames 'Aunt Sonya' and 'Frau Borscht.' Her work integrates volunteering, culinary arts, and music, all directed towards supporting Ukraine in challenging times. This was reported by Ukrinform, referencing the Facebook page of Amal Berlin Ukraine.

For the past four years, Yaryna has organized a charity borscht festival, where she introduces Germans to the diversity of Ukrainian cuisine. Festival guests have the opportunity to taste over ten varieties of borscht, including the classic beef version, as well as exotic options featuring strawberries, prunes, fish, and a lean borscht made with nettles. Yaryna notes, 'I am from Dnipropetrovsk region. We cook borscht with strawberries and smoked pears. All the recipes at the festival represent different regions of Ukraine.'

In addition to delicious dishes, the festival includes craft fairs and performances by artists. All funds raised from the event are directed towards the needs of Ukraine, specifically for the purchase of generators, medical equipment, and power banks for the Kharkiv, Donetsk, and other frontline regions.

Yaryna Sonyachna's creativity has become an integral part of her volunteer mission. She is currently preparing to release a new album, with song titles resembling a gourmet menu: 'Deruny' (Potato Pancakes), 'Pumpkin Porridge,' 'Cracklings,' and 'Cossack Kulesh.' The anthem of her events is the composition 'Ukrainian Borscht,' which emphasizes the significance of Ukrainian culinary tradition.

Yaryna performs alongside the group 'T Aunt Sonya & Band,' which consists of professional musician refugees. 'Wherever I am invited, wherever I can perform – I go and sing, I talk about Ukraine,' emphasizes Yaryna Sonyachna, highlighting her mission to promote Ukrainian culture abroad.

The culture of preparing Ukrainian borscht has been included in the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage, which requires urgent safeguarding. Projects like Yaryna Sonyachna's festival help solidify this status on an international level, drawing attention to Ukrainian traditions and culture.

It is worth noting that recently in the Czech capital, organized by the Ukrainian embassy, a cultural and gastronomic event took place, during which Ukrainian borscht was presented as an element of UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage, along with a pop-up showcase of Ukrainian designers. These events contribute to the promotion of Ukrainian culture and strengthening international ties.

Photos illustrating Yaryna Sonyachna's activities were taken by Andriy Horak, Dieter Ackermann, Sasha Petrovtsu, and from Yaryna Sonyachna's personal archive.

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