Torrevieja’s Ukrainian community will mark the thirty-fifth anniversary of Ukraine’s independence on Saturday 22 August with a cultural, festive and solidarity event open to the public. The event has been organised by the Association of Ukrainians of Torrevieja and the Ridna Mova school, with support from the town council.

The programme will begin at 17:30 with a gathering in Constitution Square, followed by a walking march through the city centre to the Nations Park at 18:00. A festival concert and other activities will start at 18:30 and continue until 22:00.

The event will include musical performances, workshops for children and adults, a market featuring Ukrainian crafts, traditional food and drink, and a charity raffle. Organisers say the money raised will help meet the needs of Ukraine’s armed forces. Mayor Eduardo Dolón and Councillor for Coexistence and Integration Óscar Urtasun will attend the official opening.

The celebration reflects the size and influence of Torrevieja’s Ukrainian community. Almost 11,000 Ukrainian nationals live in the town, making them its largest foreign community and representing about ten per cent of the registered population. Ukraine’s Independence Day is officially observed on 24 August, marking the 1991 declaration of independence.