In the Zhytomyr region of Ukraine, a growing community of amateur climbers is building an outdoor culture inspired by the camaraderie found in California's Yosemite National Park. The Stoned Climbers festival, held recently near a steep granite cliff, has become Ukraine's largest event combining rock climbing with live music, blending leisure activities with the ever-present reality of war.
Despite air raid alerts and the presence of soldiers on leave, the festival drew over 500 attendees, many of them beginners or amateur climbers. Organizers directed all profits from this year's event to a fundraising initiative supporting Ukraine's Azov Brigade. While air traffic was clear of Russian drones or missiles this year, the festival's volunteer founders launched the event in 2023 after being inspired by Yosemite's climbing counterculture, known for its dedication to living outdoors and spending extended periods on granite walls.
Festival co-founder Dmytro Isaienko stated that climbing offers "a specific way of life—in nature, camping, on the rocks," challenging the perception that it is solely for elite athletes. He believes that organizing such gatherings during wartime provides a crucial outlet for well-being, allowing people to temporarily escape the conflict and connect with others.
Instructors at the festival guide newcomers through the basics of climbing, from harnessing to identifying holds on the rock face. The sense of accomplishment when a first-time climber reaches the top of the 25-meter cliff is met with applause from onlookers and fellow climbers. Liliia Karpach, a 21-year-old attendee who traveled from western Ukraine, noted that climbing offers both mental and physical benefits and encouraged others to try the sport.
Instructor Andrii Lamei emphasized that climbing helps individuals manage stress and stressful situations in everyday life. While he dreams of climbing internationally, wartime travel restrictions prevent him from leaving Ukraine. He expressed a desire to experience places like Yosemite or Norway's mountains but is finding fulfillment in the climbing opportunities available domestically.
Isaienko hopes that the community forming around the cliffs demonstrates that new traditions can emerge even during wartime. The Stoned Climbers festival aims to be inclusive, welcoming individuals who have never attempted climbing before, with each successful ascent signaling a growing community.