Torrevieja’s Ukrainian community will mark the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence on Saturday 22 August with an afternoon and evening of music, traditional food, crafts and activities open to everyone.
The celebrations begin at 17:30 in Plaza de la Constitución, followed by a march through the city centre to Parque de las Naciones.
Activities at the park will run from 18:30 until 22:00, with live music, workshops for adults and children, Ukrainian crafts, traditional food and drink and a charity raffle.
Organisers say money raised during the event will go towards the needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
The event takes place two days before Ukraine officially celebrates Independence Day on 24 August.
March through Torrevieja to Parque de las Naciones
The afternoon begins with a public gathering in Plaza de la Constitución at
17:30.
At 18:00, participants will set off on foot through the centre of Torrevieja towards Parque de las Naciones.
The main programme starts at 18:30, when Torrevieja mayor Eduardo Dolón will attend the official opening.
The Association of Ukrainians of Torrevieja and Ukrainian school Ridna Mova have organised the event in collaboration with Torrevieja Town Hall.
Residents, visitors and tourists are all welcome to join the celebrations.
Ukrainian food, music and traditional crafts
Parque de las Naciones will become the centre of the celebrations from 18:30 until 22:00.
Live music will form part of the programme, alongside interactive workshops for children and adults.
Visitors will also be able to browse a market featuring Ukrainian crafts and try traditional Ukrainian dishes and drinks.
A charity raffle with a selection of prizes will take place during the evening.
The event aims to share Ukrainian culture, traditions, music, crafts and food with the wider Torrevieja community while marking the country’s independence anniversary.
Almost 11,000 Ukrainians live in Torrevieja
The anniversary has particular significance in Torrevieja, where almost 11,000 Ukrainian nationals are currently registered as residents.
Ukrainians are the largest foreign-nationality community in the city, ahead of Colombians, Russians, Britons and Moroccans.
They account for almost 10% of Torrevieja’s registered population and have an established presence in the city’s schools, businesses, associations and cultural life.
The Association of Ukrainians of Torrevieja and Ridna Mova school run activities throughout the year to preserve Ukrainian language, culture and traditions, particularly among children and young people living or born in Spain.
Torrevieja recognises its Ukrainian community
Mayor Eduardo Dolón said the celebration provides an opportunity to recognise Ukraine’s history and identity as well as the contribution made by Ukrainians living in Torrevieja.
He described the Ukrainian community as an essential part of the city’s social life and highlighted the role played by Ukrainian families, associations, educational centres, professionals, businesses and entrepreneurs.
The mayor said the Town Hall would continue working with the community on projects promoting integration, coexistence and greater understanding between residents from different backgrounds.
He also encouraged residents and visitors to take part in Saturday’s activities and learn more about Ukrainian traditions.
Why Ukraine celebrates Independence Day
Ukraine celebrates its Independence Day each year on 24 August.
On 24 August 1991, the Ukrainian parliament adopted the Act of Declaration of Independence, establishing the country as an independent and sovereign state.
Torrevieja’s event takes place two days before the official anniversary.
The 35th anniversary also comes against the continuing backdrop of the war following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
For Torrevieja’s Ukrainian community, Saturday’s event will combine a celebration of national culture and identity with solidarity and remembrance.
Bridging the Gap recap
- Torrevieja’s Ukrainian community will celebrate the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence on Saturday 22 August.
- The celebrations are open to residents, visitors and tourists.
- A public gathering begins at 17:30 in Plaza de la Constitución.
- Participants will walk to Parque de las Naciones from 18:00.
- Activities at the park run from 18:30 until 22:00.
- There will be live music, workshops, Ukrainian crafts, traditional food and drink and a charity raffle.
- Organisers say money raised will go towards the needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
- Ukraine officially celebrates Independence Day on 24 August.
- Almost 11,000 Ukrainian nationals are registered as living in Torrevieja.
- Ukrainians make up almost 10% of the city’s registered population and are its largest foreign-nationality community.
