Ukrainian Independence Day celebrations under Ghent’s City Hall focus on war
Ukraine’s 34th Independence Day was marked on Sunday beneath Ghent’s City Hall with a programme of benefit performances and speeches centred on the ongoing war with Russia.
Around 80,000 Ukrainians currently live in Belgium, including 1,800 in Ghent. “Immediately after the outbreak of the war, there was naturally a large influx. Since then, the number has steadily increased,” said Thomas Weyts of the European Network for Solidarity.
"This is an encouragement to everyone to keep helping and giving strength to those who are struggling"
“The support from the city of Ghent has always been excellent, and it has always been appreciated. That’s why we want to show our solidarity. For example, in Ghent, in Oostakker, there’s still the last emergency village in Flanders. The question is what the future holds, because there’s talk that Flanders will phase out subsidies for it starting in March.”
Supporting Ukraine
The war, which began in February 2022, shows no sign of ending. The event in Ghent was used as an occasion to rally support for Ukraine’s Independence Day. Throughout the afternoon, there were entertainment, performances and speeches.
The celebrations opened with a screening of the documentary Ukraine Before the War and Today.
"Every night, bombings are happening, and in the morning, people are calling each other to ask if they’re still alive"
“We’re showing this video to show the beautiful cities we once had and what they’ve become. We’re also organising these celebrations to help the victims," said Kit, a Ukrainian who has lived in Belgium for 20 years.
"Every night, bombings are happening, and in the morning, people are calling each other to ask if they’re still alive. People and animals are dying every day. This is an encouragement to everyone to keep helping and giving strength to those who are struggling.”
Alongside the cultural programme, food, drink and souvenirs were sold throughout the day. “All proceeds go directly to Ukraine,” said Weyts. “Convoys with supplies, food and medicine leave there daily.”
#FlandersNewsService | © BELGA PHOTO VICTOR VAN KERCKHOVE
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