Ukrainians who have found asylum in Cyprus are organising four days of celebrations starting on August 23 to celebrate Ukraine’s independence day together with locals and visitors of the island.

All guests will enjoy a bright and rich programme of events with high-quality content made in Ukraine, which will demonstrate the versatility and uniqueness of Ukrainian culture, according to a press release by organisers.

“Since the beginning of Russia’s war against Ukraine, this day has become of particular importance not only for Ukrainians, but for all civilised democratic countries. After all, Ukraine, which defends its freedom and independence, is truly defending the freedom and independence of the entire democratic world. The right to freedom of thought and sovereignty is the foundation on which the very concept of democracy is built. Ukraine today is Europe’s shield for the protection of democratic values and peace,” the statement said.

In a brief run-down of the week’s events, on Tuesday, August 23 will see the hosting of a marathon through the towns of Cyprus with a large flag of Ukraine in honour of the Day of the State Flag of Ukraine.

In Ayia Napa the event will be held between 8:30am – 9:30am at the central square by the sign “I love Agia Napa” (https://goo.gl/maps/iX8kzkJvHSUKhD9w8).

In the capital Nicosia from 11am until 12 noon outside the Ukrainian Embassy (https://goo.gl/maps/RqVx47L7t9o9tuLE9)

Meanwhile in Paphos, those interested can meet at the Harbour Kiosk from 2pm – 3pm (https://maps.app.goo.gl/aqGAALod4cAWCJqD7).

The same event will be held in Limassol between 4pm and 5pm at Molos near the Skate Park (https://goo.gl/maps/S4apSJ8fB3ijzrXE9) and from 6pm-7pm in Larnaca at the Anchor-Heart of Odessa statue at the bottom of Finikoudes promenade (https://maps.app.goo.gl/X35y9HmmEKPBiNby9).

On Wednesday, August 24 at 6pm in the city of Ayia Napa in the central square there will be a Ukraine Independence Day festival “Together in victory”. The evening’s programme will include an impressive musical concert by Ukrainian performers, a charity exhibition and creative workshops for children by Ukrainian and Cypriot teachers, an international flash mob – Live Chain “Free World Together” and an outdoor screening of Ukrainian cinema.

Also on Wednesday, August 24 at 7pm in Limassol, at the Molos amphitheatre, a lyric evening is organised. “The purpose of the event is to unite Ukrainians and those who sympathise with them in the atmosphere of a family evening filled with Ukrainian songs and poems, and to give hope for an early victory,” according to the programme.

Meanwhile, on Saturday, August 27 at 6pm in Paphos, on the embankment near the castle, organisers will be putting on a peaceful unity festival to celebrate Ukraine’s independence day. This event will be the culmination of celebrations throughout Cyprus and is planned to bring together Ukrainians and Cypriots from the east and west of the island.

The festival will include a charity exhibition by Ukrainian and Cypriot handmade virtuosos, an exhibition of works by Ukrainian artists, art lessons for children, as well as a large concert of iconic Ukrainian music. Many songs that will be performed at the festival by talented Ukrainian artists have become known all over the world and have received international distinctions.

And to close the week’s celebrations, on Sunday, August 28 at 11am in Troodos, at the Platania excursion area, there will be a festive picnic dedicated to independence day, organised by the Ukrainian-Cypriot Filiki Etairia. Ukrainians will be able to enjoy socialising and delicious meals, while children participate in creative master classes surrounded by the mountains and nature that the island has to offer.