Ukrainian communities around the world celebrated the 33rd anniversary of Ukraine’s independence over the weekend of August 24 and 25. Hundreds of cities – from Australia to Canada, the United States to Bali, Europe to South America – hosted events and celebrations with politicians, diplomats, government officials and community leaders. In the third year of the all-out war, the celebration offered the world another opportunity to unite around Ukraine and show solidarity in the fight against the Russian invaders.

“The 65 million Ukrainian people and their allies have one main goal: victory over the Russian invasion and the achievement of a just and lasting peace for Ukraine. … As Ukraine’s heroes make the ultimate sacrifice, please think about how you will respond when your grandchildren one day ask, “What have you done to protect Ukraine?” With your support, Ukraine will be victorious and free.”, said UWC President Paul Grod in his speech.

Toronto’s celebration of Ukraine’s independence was visited by Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance of Canada. She noted: “33 years ago, Ukraine made a bold decision for independence. And today, the people of Ukraine are literally paying with their lives for their independence, for their democracy. It is absolutely amazing what they are doing.” Freeland emphasized the unity of the Ukrainian community in Canada and reiterated Canada’s strong and consistent support for Ukraine.

Numerous rallies took place across the United States. New York Mayor Eric Adams congratulated Ukrainians on Independence Day by raising the blue and yellow flag in Manhattan.”In war and peace we have always stood by the side of our Ukrainian brothers and sisters. … Slava Ukraini!” Adam’s wroteThe celebrations included a ceremonial march, a Vyshyvanka run and a parade of Ukrainian flags on the river in the city.

Boston also participated in Ukraine’s Independence Day.”Happy Ukrainian Independence Day! Today we celebrated 33 years of independence by raising the flag at City Hall. 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 attended the celebration. On Facebook, he wrote: “During the ceremony, Mayor Figueiredo presented a proclamation to Roman Myhal, president of the local chapter of the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America.”

Hundreds of people attended the rally organized in Chicago. “For the third year in a row, we are marking Independence Day in Chicago – and not celebrating it. Since there is a war in Ukraine, the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America (UCCA), Illinois Division, has made this decision and changed the format to include mass gatherings, parades, protests and a living chain of unity,” wrote Maria Klimchak, representative of the Ukrainian community in the United States, program director of the Kyiv Mohyla Foundation of America.

Los Angeles celebrated Ukraine’s Independence Day with a cultural event featuring choir performances, performances by Ukrainian artists and a tribute to the fallen defenders.

The Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations (AFUO) reported that Independence Day was celebrated with festivities, performances, flag raisings and buildings illuminated in the blue and yellow colours of the Ukrainian flag.

Ukrainian cultural objects were exhibited in Melbourne, including vyshyvankas, traditional ceramics, Petrykivka painting, handmade dolls, jewelry, rare books and new literature. 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 Semyonov, UWC Vice President for the Middle East and Central Asia. National The newspaper reported on the active Ukrainian community in the UAE.

Several thousand people gathered in Paris for a solidarity rally. The streets of the French capital echoed with calls for Ukraine and the fight against Russian aggression.

In London, Lord Khan, the UK Minister for Social Housing, Faith and Communities, was one of the most prominent participants in the Ukrainian Independence Day celebrations.

Ukrainians living in Hungary were able to celebrate Independence Day in Budapest! “Ukraine unites us! Glory to Ukraine! Glory to the heroes!” wrote the organizers, the Ukrainian Cultural Society in Hungary, led by Jaroszlava Hartyányi, the chairwoman of the WFUWO and second vice president of the World Ukrainian Congress.

In the Italian capital, in the heart of Rome, the Ukrainian national anthem was heard and prayers were recited. Hundreds of people, including Ukrainian defenders, took part in the Independence Day celebrations. Italy’s largest newspaper, The Sera Corriereeven offered 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, Secretary of State for Parliamentary Affairs of Portugal, addressed the Ukrainians at the march in Lisbon “Ukraine – Heart of Europe”. The march began with “Calls for the Armed Forces of Ukraine!” reported Pavlo Sadokha, Vice-President of the World Ukrainian Congress and President of the Union of Ukrainians in Portugal.

In Brazil, there were performances by 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.