This Thursday 24 August, Ukraine celebrates its 32nd independence day, which marks its freedom from the Soviet Union and the establishment of the modern Ukrainian state. For those wanting to show solidarity, find out what events are happening in Belgium today.
Celebrations this year will be poignant, as it is the second independence day since the start of Russia’s unprovoked full-scale invasion on 24 February 2022. Despite Russian attacks against Ukrainian civilian infrastructure and occupation of Ukrainian territory, the country has fought off the invading forces, defended its independence and started a counter-offensive. It has also become a candidate country to join the EU.
Events celebrating this milestone will also take place in Belgium, which has a sizeable refugee population. Ukrainians in the country will organise a number of events, which are open to the public and free of charge.
Just bring your own Ukrainian flags!
Ixelles: Ukraine Independence Day After Party
Credit: Promote Ukraine
Hosted by Promote Ukraine, Belgium’s most prominent and active Ukraine NGO, this event welcomes Ukrainians and well-wishers alike to a fun and family-friendly event in Ixelles’ GC Elzenhof on Avenue de la Couronne 12. This event is completely open to the public and will welcome guests from 18:00.
"On the evening of 24 August, we’ll be gathering in Brussels to celebrate this important day together and soak in a friendly atmosphere," the organisers write.
This year’s celebrations will feature a Ukrainian souvenir fair, contemporary Ukrainian music acts, a photo booth, Ukrainian cooking, and entertainment for children. Volunteers from the NGO will host a "Ukrainian Treasures" treasure hunt for children aged 5 to 9. A children's corner will also be open throughout the event.
The event will also host a prize lottery to collect funds for the Ukrainian army, notably to purchase drones for its troops. All participants of the event will be able to sign a Ukrainian flag which will be later sent along with the new drones to the frontline.
Ixelles: Ukrainian voices
Brussels-based NGO Ukrainian Voices RC will welcome special guests to its Ukrainian community centre at Rue du Commerce 44 in Brussels for a day of celebrations of the country's culture and artwork. The NGO aims to support the community in Belgium and provide practical support and cultural events for Ukrainian refugees.
The centre will welcome guests throughout the day from 10:00, notably offering home-cooked local Ukrainian delicacies, a Ukrainian food market, and a photo exhibition themed around the principle of independence.
Organisers will put on several classes for children, musical performances and concerts, as well as the screening of two Ukrainian movies: Поводир (The Guide) at 19:00 and Крути 1918 (Kruty 1918).
“Bring your family, Belgian friends, and a good mood – and let’s make history together,” the organisers announced.
Ghent: March of Gratitude
Credit: Socio-Culturele Vereniging "Oekrainers in Gent"
From 18:00, Ukrainian refugees and members of the diaspora will show their appreciation to Belgium with a thanksgiving march from Ghent’s Sleepstraat to the Stadshal Poeljemarkt.
"With this action, we want to show our gratitude to Belgium and the Belgians for the shelter and help to our country in the fight against the aggressor," organiser Irina Okaianiuk told The Brussels Times. "We begin with the Walk of Gratitude. We march under the big flag of Ukraine and with flags that say Bedankt, Thank you."
Unlike other events which feature more upbeat celebrations, Okaianiuk says that her event will feature speeches from Ukrainian activists and the mayor of Ghent, as well as a classical performance by a symphony orchestra.
Ukrainians and Belgians are like are free to join the march, which honours Belgium's efforts to host refugees.
Saint-Gilles: Ukrainian Movie Day
Credit: Lingua Fortuna
Lingua Fortuna, a small Belgian-Ukrainian NGO established to assist Ukrainian refugees and promote social integration, is hosting a Ukrainian Movie Day, showing new and classic movies from the country.
Taking place at Pianofabriek, on the Rue du Fort 35 in the Brussels municipality of Saint-Gilles, the charity has prepared a special screening of three Ukrainian films. Organisers say that the event is "an opportunity to dive into such a dear Ukrainian atmosphere with movies."
Attendees must register their interest ahead of the event at this link. The screenings show Віддана (Devoted) at 10:00; Я, Ти, Він, Вона (I, you, he, she), a film featuring none other than Ukraine’s funny-man turned President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy at 12:30; and Roses. Film-Cabaret at 15:00.
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From 19:00, Lingua Fortuna will change venue, heading to L’amère à boire bar in Saint-Gilles on Avenue Paul Dejaer 20. This time, the Ukrainian group will celebrate their independence with a live DJ set from Katarina Dariy, a Ukrainian house and techno producer and DJ from Kyiv.
"She craves deep and sensual sounds. Guided by her Ukrainian heritage and freewheeling spirit, she gives intense and electrifying experiences. Katarina has showcased her music on stages all over the globe and we are happy to host her on this special day," the organisers concluded.
