The ethno-electronic festival 'Viri. Prostoneba,' held in Kyiv on August 8–9, 2026, became one of the most notable cultural events of the summer: thousands of attendees and dozens of Ukrainian artists gathered on the grounds, and after the event wrapped up, the organizing team moved on to drawing up the results. Festival organizer Alena Hudykova published a selection of photos and videos summarizing the event on her Instagram and, for the first time, revealed the financial results of the second season of 'Viri,' stating that this year the project turned a profit.
Financial Results: Taxes, Debt, and Donations
According to Hudykova, thanks to high attendance, the team managed to clear the remaining debt from the previous year, pay 6.2 million UAH in taxes, and direct the entire final profit — 2,254,104 hryvnia — to support the defense forces of Ukraine. The funds went to the 'Dronopad' fundraiser of the 'Come Back Alive' charity foundation. The organizer emphasizes that the festival has now taken place for the second time and, in her assessment, became 'the beginning of something bigger,' while last year brought the team significant challenges that are still felt today.
Hedonism in Wartime: The Organizer's Position
Responding to the question of whether entertainment events are acceptable during hostilities, Hudykova quoted a 'military comrade': 'there should be the hedonism of a healthy person, if there is already the opportunity to practice it.' In her formulation, devoted engagement in one's passion and generating 'usefulness outward' is a way to creatively and constructively make an impact through one's work and to keep going 'no matter what.'
Context and Format of the Festival
According to announcements published earlier in 2026 by Ukrainian media outlets, 'Viri. Prostoneba' was positioned as an ethno-electronic festival with a program combining music, theater, and performance; the lineup of the second season featured artists and projects such as The VYO, NAZVA, and Maryna Krut. Partnership materials pointed to a collaboration with Visa from Pravex Bank, reflecting the commercial and sponsorship context of the event.
Verification Caveats
All financial figures cited (6.2 million UAH in taxes, 2,254,104 UAH in donations, clearing of the previous year's debt) were stated directly by the festival organizer in her personal account and reported by the Wave (RBC-Ukraine) publication. No independent audit or confirmation from tax authorities or the charity foundation has been found in open sources as of the time of publication, so the figures should be regarded as a statement by the organizing team.
