Ukrainian Celebration Day: 'For many of our people, Longford has become a second home'

This Saturday the people of Ukraine celebrate their Independence Day. The Friday before that the Ukrainian community in Longford hosts a day to celebrate their culture.

“The Ukrainian community in Longford would like to invite the people of Longford to join us for a Ukrainian Celebration Day,” Anna Petrova, the Ukrainian outreach support worker with Longford Community Resources told the Leader.

The declaration of independence by Ukraine's parliament from the Soviet Union took place on 24 August 1991, heralding the collapse of the Soviet bloc. This weekend marks the Eastern European nation's 33 anniversary since its split from the former Soviet Union.

Longford extended the hand of friendship to a nation displaced by conflict when Russians invaded their country on February 24th, 2022: “In Longford County at the moment there are around 900 Ukrainians and in Longford town there are around 200,” Anna said.

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“We're really grateful for the support of Irish communities, in Longford and all across Ireland. We found Irish people, the local communities, very welcoming from the moment we arrived till now. For many of our people Longford has become a second home. We found jobs, education, and friends here,” the event organiser said.

There is a packed programme for the five hour event: “The Ukrainian community in Longford would like to welcome people to attend the Ukrainian Day Celebration on Friday, August 23, from 1:00pm to 6:00pm in the Temperance Hall, New Street, Longford town.

“There will be live music, including performances by Longford Ukrainian Choir, Ukrainian cuisine and crafts, a photo exhibition, an art workshop, face painting, and entertainment for children await the guests,” Anna tells.

The Ukrainian outreach support worker explained the reason for the day: “This is to celebrate and acknowledge Ukrainian Day, but it's also to give something back to the community, to show our culture and traditions to the Irish community and contribute something,” Anna says of the day.

Also read: Ukrainians in Longford mark Independence Day

This Ukrainian Day Celebration is organised by the Ukrainian community in Longford and supported by Longford Community Resources through the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme.

Anna highlights the support for the displaced people of her country: “The Ukrainian group recently completed a Committee Skills course, organized by LWETB, and set up a committee. This is their first event in this capacity.”

On Saturday many of the Ukranians in Longford will be going to Dublin to participate in a rally to mark their Independence Day: “There's like a lot of events in Dublin. There's going to be a huge march as a show of solidarity. We still need support and to remind the world of what is happening in our country.”

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