As the thundering of bells rings in the New Year, the 2025 National Bell Festival will highlight the rich bell ringing traditions and bell making heritage of Ukraine. From grand cathedrals and monasteries to the center of rural villages, bells have been a part of the soundscape of Ukraine since the earliest days of Kievan Rus'.
The National Bell Festival will pay tribute to this proud bell ringing culture in the upcoming festival, casting a spotlight on the people, places, and bells of Ukraine. As part of the initiative, music arranged for carillon will be shared with bell ringers across the globe, so that each may join in the playing of beloved Ukrainian melodies on bells.
What is the annual spotlight nation?
The National Bell Festival is excited to shine a light on the bell ringing culture and practices of countries around the globe. All year long, beginning with our festival on New Year’s Day, we research, record, and report on the campanological heritage of a different focus nation, helping to share the extraordinary culture of bell making and bell ringing the world over.
Since 2023, our spotlight nations have been:
- 2025 | Ukraine
- 2024 | Japan
- 2023 | United Kingdom
The program reflects our belief that bells have the power to unite people together. We celebrate the diversity of people and the uniqueness of nations, but we also recognize how alike we all are as humans. The reverberating ring of a bell crosses over boundaries and borders. It cares not for social or economic differences. For thousands of years, bells have gathered people together in times of hardship and celebration alike.
Let’s keep bells ringing and let’s keep bringing people together – exchanging arts and culture, supporting youths and education, and empowering community development. Where will bell ringing take us next year? You’ll have to stay tuned to find out!
Cover image: Great bells hang within the belfry atop Lviv Town Hall, the largest city in western Ukraine.
