The Ukrainian Community in Burgas Solemnly Marked Independence Day

In Burgas, the Ukrainian community solemnly marked Ukraine's Independence Day, transforming the open-air stage "Okhlyuva" in the heart of the Sea Garden into a center of festive atmosphere. The event, dedicated to one of the most important dates in modern Ukrainian history, was held with the official support of the Honorary Consulate of Ukraine and the local Municipality of Burgas, which emphasizes the significance of cooperation between the two countries.

The celebration began with a solemn ceremony during which the national anthem of Ukraine was played in front of the gathered representatives of the Ukrainian diaspora. The audience listened with deep emotion, and the air was filled with a sense of pride and national unity. The culmination of the program was a large-scale concert that brought over 100 performers to the stage. The participants, representatives of different generations, presented a wealth of traditional Ukrainian songs and dances. Their performances, colored by the vibrant hues of folk costumes, recreated the spirit of Ukrainian culture and created an unforgettable festive atmosphere.

Historical Value of the Holiday

Independence Day, celebrated annually on August 24, holds deep historical and symbolic value. On this date in 1991, in a pivotal era for Eastern Europe, the Verkhovna Rada of the then Ukrainian Soviet Socialist Republic adopted the historic Declaration of Independence. This act officially marked the beginning of the modern Ukrainian state, ending decades of Soviet domination. For the Ukrainian community worldwide, and especially for those who are far from their homeland today, this holiday is a powerful symbol of the nation's indomitable spirit and its determination to defend its freedom and sovereignty in the face of aggression.

The festive event in Burgas takes on even greater significance against the backdrop of the current situation. We recall that during a visit to Burgas at the end of last year, the Ambassador of Ukraine to Bulgaria, Olesya Ilashchuk, provided up-to-date data on the size of the Ukrainian community in our country. According to official statistics, over 52,000 Ukrainian citizens in Bulgaria have been granted temporary protection status. Ambassador Ilashchuk emphasized that more than 14,000 of them are actively working and contributing to the Bulgarian economy as taxpayers.

The Scale of the Ukrainian Community

The ambassador also provided an even more significant figure, revealing the full scale of the humanitarian crisis. She stated that the total number of Ukrainians who arrived in Bulgaria since the beginning of the Russian war on February 24, 2022, has exceeded one million people. This data testifies to the unprecedented wave of refugees caused by the aggressive Russian invasion. Specifically for Burgas and the region, embassy data shows that:

• Around 8,000 Ukrainians have temporary protection status in the city itself.
• In the entire region, their number varies between 15,000 and 18,000.

These figures illustrate that Burgas has become an important center for shelter and refuge for thousands of Ukrainians forced to leave their homes due to the military conflict.