Ukrainians worldwide prepare to celebrate Ukraine’s 34th Independence Day

Ukrainians around the world are getting ready to mark Ukraine’s 34th Independence Day since it restored sovereignty since the fall of the Soviet Union. Celebrations are planned in dozens of countries, complete with concerts, marches, prayers, and charity events. 

The Ukrainian World Congress (UWC) encourages everyone to add their support for Ukraine during these days, and is providing a campaign page with resources and event announcements worldwide.

Canada

More than 30 events will take place across Canada on Aug. 24, according to the Ukrainian Canadian Congress (UCC), which will include festivals, flag-raising ceremonies, charity concerts, and other activities. 

“Every year, Ukrainians around the world celebrate this historic milestone with pride and unity,” the UCC said.

Event details and locations are available here.

United States

Ukrainians in the United States are organizing at least 111 events across 39 states, according to the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America (UNWLA). 

“Will you join communities across the country in celebrating a brave and unstoppable Ukraine and its people?” 

Event details and locations are available here.

Australia

Ukrainian communities across Australia are staging festivals, rallies, charity events, and concerts to celebrate Ukraine’s 34th Independence Day. 

“Make sure to attend the events happening in your city!” wrote the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations (AFUO).

Event details and organizations here.

United Kingdom

In London, Ukrainians will hold a rally on the centrally located Downing Street on Aug. 24, according to London Euromaidan. Representatives from 20 Ukrainian organizations will assemble there, including the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain (AUGB), and which  will be followed by a wreath-laying at the monument to Volodymyr the Great. Details here.

The Glasgow branch of AUGB also invites participation. Schedule here.

A full calendar of events across the UK is available on AUGB’s events page.

Germany

In Berlin, a demonstration in support of Ukraine will take place under the slogan “The Future Needs Memory” that honors the struggle for independence and emphasizes the importance of memory for national identity, according to Vitsche Berlin. Details here.

Czech Republic

Ukrainians in the Czech Republic will rally in Prague at 5:00 pm local time on Jan Palach Square. In Brno, there will be a fair; in Liberec, workshops and concerts; and in Mariánské Lázně, exhibitions and performances. Details here.

France

Paris will host celebrations including a march, a festive Ukrainian town, and the illumination of the Eiffel Tower in Ukraine’s national blue and yellow colors that highlight Ukraine’s unity and pride, said Volodymyr Kogutyak, UWC Vice President for Western Europe and Association of Ukrainians in France (AUF) Vice President. Details are available here.

Italy

In Rome, a rally will be held at 5:00 pm local time at the Piazza Corrado Ricci, uniting Ukrainians and friends of Ukraine in solidarity and support. 

The Network of Associations for Ukraine (NAU) also announced events in Verona, Modena, Bologna, and other cities. Details are available here.

Portugal

Liturgies will be held for Ukraine and its defenders in Lisbon, Sintra, Cascais, Alenquer, and Óbidos, with a peaceful march planned in Lisbon for Independence Day. Details are available  here.

Greece

A prayer service for Ukraine will take place in Athens at the Holy Trinity Church at 11:00 am local time on Aug. 24.

Estonia

Tallinn will host a concert of Ukrainian and Estonian choral music, a gratitude march through the Old Town, a rally at Freedom Square, and a screening of the historical film Yaroslav the Wise – Europe’s Test. Details are available here.

Brazil

The 34th Independence Day of Ukraine and the National Day of the Ukrainian-Brazilian Community will be celebrated at the Ukraine Memorial in Tingui Park, starting at 10:00 am with a traditional crafts fair, followed by folk performances by Barvinok and Poltava at 3:00 pm, in Curitiba.

Argentina

In Buenos Aires, Ukraine’s Independence Day will be marked on Aug. 24 with a Divine Liturgy at St. Mary’s Cathedral (Floresta) at 11:00 am, and a ceremonial event at the park near the Taras Shevchenko monument at 4:00 pm; on Aug. 26, wreaths will be laid at General San Martín’s monument.

South Africa

On Aug. 22 and 24, the Ukrainian Association of South Africa will hold gatherings in Cape Town, Durban, and Johannesburg to mark Ukraine’s 34th Independence Day. With posters reading #BringKidsBackUA and #StandWithUkraine, participants will call on South Africa to support the return of more than 20,000 Ukrainian children illegally deported to Russia, stand against Russian aggression, and defend Ukraine’s territorial integrity and nuclear safety.

The Ukrainian Council of Churches and Religious Organizations calls on religious leaders, clergy, and believers worldwide to join a Worldwide Prayer for Ukraine on Aug. 24.