Advocating for Ukraine: how global communities celebrated Independence Day

Ukrainian communities worldwide celebrated the 33rd anniversary of Ukraine’s Independence, over this weekend of August 24 and 25. Events and festivals involving politicians, diplomats, government officials, and local council leaders took place in hundreds of cities – stretching from Australia to Canada, the US to Bali, to Europe and South America. Amid the third year of the full-scale war, this celebration gave the world another opportunity to unite around Ukraine and show solidarity for its fight against the Russian invaders.

“The 65 million-strong Ukrainian nation and its allies have one main objective: victory against Russia’s invasion and achieving a just and lasting peace for Ukraine. … As Ukraine’s heroes make the ultimate sacrifice, please consider how you will respond when your grandchildren one day ask, ‘What did you do to help protect Ukraine?’ With your support, Ukraine will be victorious and free,” said UWC President Paul Grod in his address. 

Toronto’s celebration of Ukrainian independence was attended by Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister of Canada. She remarked, “33 years ago, Ukraine bravely chose independence. And today the people of Ukraine are quite literally paying with their lives for their independence, for their democracy. It is absolutely astonishing what they are doing.” Freeland highlighted the unity of the Ukrainian community in Canada and affirmed Canada’s strong and consistent support for Ukraine.

Numerous rallies took place around the United States. The mayor of New York City, Eric Adams, congratulated Ukrainians on Independence Day by raising the blue-and-yellow flag in Manhattan. “Through war or peace, we have always stood beside our Ukrainian brothers and sisters. … Slava Ukraini!” Adams wrote. For its celebration the city witnessed a ceremonial march, a vyshyvanka run, as well as a parade of Ukrainian flags on the river.

Boston also participated in Ukraine’s Independence Day. “Happy Ukrainian Independence Day! Today we celebrated with a flag raising at City Hall, honoring 33 years of independence. The strength, resilience, and vibrant spirit of the Ukrainian people inspire us all, now more than ever,” wrote Boston City Council President Ruthzee Louijeune

The blue-and-yellow flag also flew in New Jersey, where Union Township Mayor Manuel Figueiredo participated in the observance. It was recorded on Facebook that, “During the ceremony, Mayor Figueiredo presented Roman Myhal, President of the local chapter of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America, with a proclamation.” 

During the rally organized in Chicago, hundreds of people took part. “For the third year in a row, we are marking Independence Day in Chicago – not celebrating. Because there is a war in Ukraine, the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA), Illinois Division, made this decision, changing the format to include mass assemblies, parades, protests, and a living chain of unity,” wrote Maria Klimchak, representative of the Ukrainian community in the United States, Program Director at Kyiv Mohyla Foundation of America.

In Los Angeles, Ukrainian Independence Day was celebrated with a special event at the Ukrainian Cultural Center, attended by local government representatives. Most importantly, the LA city council, thanks to council member Hugo Soto Martinez, presented the Ukrainian community with an official proclamation condemning Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Attendees also enjoyed performances by The Kobzar Choir, the Chervona Kalyna dance ensemble, and Ukrainian artists. The participants also honored the memory of fallen defenders.

The Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations (AFUO) reported that  Independence Day was marked with festivals, performances, flag-raisings, and buildings illuminated in the blue and yellow colors of the Ukrainian flag.

In Melbourne, Ukrainian cultural artifacts were showcased, including vyshyvankas, traditional ceramics, Petrykivka painting, handmade dolls, jewelry, rare books, and new literature, as reported by Nataliya Poshyvaylo-Towler, UWC Vice President for Oceania and Asia.

In the heart of the Emirates, Ukrainians and friends of Ukraine joined a global chain of Ukrainian unity. “Unity is our greatest strength,” wrote Yevheniy Semenov, UWC Vice President for Middle East and Central Asia. The National newspaper reported on the active Ukrainian community in the UAE.

In Paris over several thousand people joined together in a demonstration of support.  The streets of the French capital resounded with chants for Ukraine and the fight against Russian aggression.

In London, Lord Khan, UK Government Secretary of State for Social Housing, Faiths and Communities, was eminent among those gathering to celebrate Ukraine’s Independence Day.

Ukrainians based in Hungary were able to mark Independence Day in Budapest! “We are united by Ukraine! Glory to Ukraine! Glory to the Heroes!” wrote the organizers, the Ukrainian Cultural Society in Hungary, led by Jaroszlava Hartyányi, the Chair of WFUWO, Second Vice President of the Ukrainian World Congress.

In the Italian capital, at the heart of Rome, the Ukrainian national anthem could be heard and prayers resonated. Hundreds of people indeed, including Ukrainian defenders, joined in with Independence Day proceedings. Italy’s largest newspaper, Corriere della Sera, even provided a live broadcast of the Independence Day march, said Oles Horodetskyy, President of the Christian Association of Ukrainians and Ukrainian community leader in Rome.

“We are with you! Ukraine is Europe, and we will win this war.” With these words, Carlos Amorim, Portugal’s Secretary of State for Parliamentary Affairs, addressed Ukrainians at the Lisbon march, “Ukraine – Heart of Europe.” The march began with cheers of “Glory to the Armed Forces of Ukraine!” reported Pavlo Sadokha, Vice-President of the Ukrainian World Congress and President of the Union of Ukrainians in Portugal.

Brazil saw performances from Ukrainian folk ensembles, reported Vitório Sorotiuk, President of the Ukrainian-Brazilian Central Representation (UBCR). Specifically, there was a ceremonial performance in support of Ukraine at the SESC Theater in Curitiba. Among the audience were members of the consular corps, local authorities, and community leaders.