House of Ukraine - International Cottages of the House of Pacific Relations

Founded in conjunction with San Diego's 1935 California-Pacific International Exposition, the House of Pacific Relations (HPR) is a nonprofit community organization that promotes multicultural goodwill and understanding through educational and cultural programs. Based in Balboa Park, the group operates a consortium of cottages or "houses" representing 32 countries. Here, HPR member countries can offer visitors an opportunity to experience their unique cultures, histories, and traditions.

Among the cottages, the House of Ukraine is furnished in the distinctive Ukrainian style and manned by volunteer members of the HPR to present various cultural exhibits. Several special events are held here throughout the year, too, including the "Pysanky" egg decorating workshop in the month preceding Easter and an annual three-day "Ukrainian Festival" over Labor Day weekend. The latter features a concert of Ukrainian folk dance and the distribution of bread and salt to guests an ancient gesture of Ukrainian hospitality.

Other attractions are the Ethnic Food Fair in May, when varenyky (hot dumplings), kapusta (cabbage and sauerkraut) and kovbasa sandwiches are served. For Christmas, a similar menu is offered, with the addition of hot borsch, Kozak Koffee, and Ukrainian beer.

The House of Ukraine - International Cottages of The Houses of Pacific Relations is located within Balboa Park at 2125 Park Boulevard, San Diego, California 92101. Except for special events, the weekly hours of operation are from noon to 4pm on Sundays only.