Hundreds celebrate Ukraine national day
HUNDREDS of Ukrainians have attended a cultural event in Dublin city centre to celebrate their country’s Independence Day yesterday.
The event, held in Mountjoy Square Park, was organised by the Ukrainian Crisis Centre Ireland (UCCI) and was supported by the Embassy of Ukraine.
Families were involved in activities from biscuit decoration to wood craft, painting and dancing. There were also stalls selling traditional Ukrainian cuisine.
UCCI chief executive Michael Baskin said it was important for the community to come together in celebration of their home country’s traditions in the midst of the brutal war being endured back home.
Mr Baskin, who moved to Ireland more than 20 years ago, said: ‘Everybody has had a great day.
‘It’s about unity. Everybody is relaxed and they are smiling which is very important in all aspects of life.
‘Even with the hardship Ukrainians are going through, it’s important to find the time to celebrate.
‘It marks for us, six months of war and Ukrainians still exist. So there’s something to celebrate.
‘They are smiling and dancing,’ Mr Basking added.
Around 48,000 Ukrainians have arrived in Ireland since the Russian invasion of their home country began six months ago.
UCCI connects the Ukrainian community living in Ireland, as well as providing support to the thousands of Ukrainians displaced by the war.