The Ukrainian community of Torrevieja is preparing to commemorate the 35th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence on Saturday, 22nd August, with a range of cultural, festive and solidarity events open to all citizens.
Organised by the Association of Ukrainians of Torrevieja alongside the Ukrainian school “Ridna Mova”, and supported by Torrevieja City Council, the commemoration will take place across venue locations in the city centre and the Parque de las Naciones.
The Mayor of Torrevieja, Eduardo Dolón, alongside the councillor for Coexistence and Integration, Óscar Urtasun, will attend the official opening of the scheduled activities at the Parque de las Naciones at 6:30 p.m.
The occasion aims to showcase Ukrainian culture, music, traditions, crafts and gastronomy with the broader public, while marking the historical importance of the country’s independence and showing Torrevieja’s support for the Ukrainian people.
Rally and march to the Parque de las Naciones
The programme begins at 5:30 p.m. with a public gathering in the Plaza de la Constitución, followed by a march at 6:00 p.m. moving through the city centre to the Parque de las Naciones.
A festive concert will launch at 6:30 p.m. as the various event areas open. Running until 10:00 p.m., the schedule is open to Ukrainian residents, local neighbours, and visiting tourists. Activities include live music, interactive workshops for adults and children, an artisan market, traditional food and drink stalls, and a charity raffle. Funds raised during the gathering will go towards meeting the needs of the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Eduardo Dolón: “The Ukrainian community is an essential part of the social reality of Torrevieja”
Mayor Eduardo Dolón highlighted that the event “allows us to recognise the history, identity and national sentiment of the Ukrainian people, but also to value the daily contribution of thousands of Ukrainian citizens to the growth and diversity of Torrevieja.”
“Torrevieja is today an open, pluralistic, and deeply international city, and the Ukrainian community is an essential part of our social fabric. Its families, associations, educational institutions, professionals, business owners, and entrepreneurs actively participate in the life of the city and contribute to enriching it,” he stated.
He added that “the City Council will continue to support the Ukrainian community and collaborate on initiatives that promote coexistence, integration and mutual understanding among all residents, regardless of their place of birth.” He extended an invitation to neighbours and tourists to join the event, noting it “combines memory, culture, coexistence and solidarity.”
The main international community of Torrevieja
With nearly 11,000 registered Ukrainian citizens, according to current Municipal Register records, Ukraine represents the single largest foreign nationality in Torrevieja, ahead of Colombia, Russia, the United Kingdom, and Morocco. Making up nearly 10% of the registered local population, the community plays an active role in local commerce, education, culture and associations.
The Association of Ukrainians of Torrevieja and the “Ridna Mova” school work throughout the year to preserve language and culture among young people living in Spain while encouraging integration into Torrevieja society. Torrevieja City Council maintains a close partnership with these representative groups.
35 years of Ukraine’s independence
Ukraine officially marks Independence Day on 24th August, commemorating the date in 1991 when the Ukrainian Parliament approved the Act of Declaration of Independence. Held two days prior to the official date, Torrevieja’s event offers a space for remembrance, community, and support 35 years on, especially amidst the ongoing defence of national sovereignty following the Russian invasion that began in February 2022.
Programme for Saturday, 22nd August
- 5:30 p.m.: Gathering in the Plaza de la Constitución.
- 6:00 p.m.: March to the Parque de las Naciones.
- 6:30 p.m.: Official opening by Eduardo Dolón and municipal representatives.
- 6:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.: Concert, workshops, market, gastronomy, and charity raffle.
