Lina Kostenko Celebrates Her 96th Birthday
On March 19, 2026, the esteemed Ukrainian poet Lina Kostenko marked her 96th birthday. The celebration was highlighted by Ostroh Academy conferring upon her the title of Honorary Doctor. This event drew a host of prominent Ukrainian figures who gathered to honor the acclaimed poetess.
Among the guests was writer Maria Matios, who visited Kostenko at her home. The renowned literary scholar Mykola Zhulynskyi assisted her in donning the academic gown, a symbolic moment during the ceremony. Other notable attendees at the celebration included:
- Yevhen Nyshchuk
- Svyatoslav Vakarchuk
- Ada Rogovtseva
- Serhiy Zhadan
- Larysa Ivshyna
- Ivan Malkovych
Ukraine's Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Valeriy Zaluzhnyi, joined in the congratulations by reciting her poem "Life Goes On, All Without Proofreading." Svyatoslav Vakarchuk, in turn, paid tribute to Lina Kostenko on social media, recalling his first encounter with her work during his school years. The A-ba-ba-ha-la-ma-ha publishing house announced the release of a new collection of her poetry in the latter half of April 2026 and shared new photos and a video greeting for the author.
Impressions from the Celebration
Maria Matios shared her reflections on the event:
“Yesterday I was with the Queen - at Lina Kostenko's birthday. At the moment she was awarded the honorary doctorate from Ostroh Academy. It was very warm with wonderful people... Many years!” - Maria Matios
These words reflect the warmth and deep respect surrounding Lina Kostenko, as well as the significance of her contribution to Ukrainian literature. Kostenko is a towering figure in Ukrainian culture, whose work has resonated for generations.
The celebration of her 96th birthday underscores not only her long and prolific creative life but also the enduring recognition of her role in Ukrainian culture. The awarding of the honorary doctorate is a significant event, honoring an individual who has made a profound contribution to the development of national literature. This occasion also points to the continuing tradition of venerating artists who shape Ukraine's literary heritage.
The recent celebration of Lina Kostenko's 96th birthday not only marked a personal milestone but also highlighted the profound impact she has had on Ukrainian literature. As tributes from figures like Svyatoslav Vakarchuk and Valeriy Zaluzhnyi poured in, her legacy continues to inspire. For further insights on the heartfelt tributes and reflections from this significant event, you can read more in our detailed coverage about the tributes to the legendary poetess.