Global Celebration: A World Painted in Blue and Yellow on Independence Day

The 32nd anniversary of Ukraine’s independence was celebrated around the world by the Ukrainian diaspora and crowds of other supporters, with the nation’s blue and yellow colors waving in the wind and lighting up tall towers. This year’s Independence Day took place for the second year of Ukraine’s existential fight to keep that freedom. While Kyivites celebrated around the famous “Maidan Nezalezhnosti” – Independence Square – they were joined in cities across the globe by Ukrainians and allies demonstrating their solidarity on the 24th of August. Kyiv Post gathered the largest and most remembered celebrations of the Independence Day of Ukraine around the world.

In the Polish capital Warsaw was the Poland’s most massive celebration was in its capital, Warsaw. Thousands of Ukrainians on this day gathered on Castle Square not only to thank the Poles for their support, but also to celebrate those who helped the Ukrainians most during this war.

Ukrainians celebrate Independence Day in Warsaw. Photo: Novyny. Live

The center of Berlin was also blue and yellow. Ukrainians living in Germany gathered at the Brandenburg Gate for a large-scale demonstration on Ukraine’s Independence Day. Participants brought 503 mirrors with them – that’s how many small Ukrainians, according to official figures alone, died after February 24, 2022. People raised the mirrors toward the sky and honored the memory of the victims with a minute of silence.

Berlin celebrants pointed mirrors toward the sky and honored the memory of the victims with a minute of silence.

In addition, political chants were also heard in the center of Germany, with protesters calling on the government to strengthen military support for Ukraine and to transfer Taurus long-range cruise missiles to it as soon as possible.

In Larnaca, Cyprus, Ukrainians unfurled a huge blue and yellow flag. Both adults and children took part in the ceremony.

Larnaca, Cyprus

The United States also demonstrated the unity and support of the Ukrainian people. The Ukrainian military together with the Americans raised the blue and yellow banner in the first capital of America, Philadelphia. The solemn raising of the Ukrainian flag over the city hall of Philadelphia was attended by representatives of congress, the city hall and Ukrainians living in the city.

To the accompaniment of the Ukrainian anthem, the Ukrainian military, who are now in the United States for rehabilitation, together with the American military raised the Ukrainian flag. At the end of all the planned celebrations, people unfurled the Ukrainian flag and created a chain to join a large-scale flash mob, which was held around the world at 7 p.m. in Kyiv.

Ukrainian and American military during celebrations in Philadelphia, US. Photo by Evgeniy Pukach/Novyny. LIVE

Aussies and Ukrainians celebrated Independence Day in the capital of Australia, Canberra. There they sang the anthem of Ukraine and raised the blue and yellow banner.

Celebration in Canberra, Australia.

In the evening in Jakarta, the Westin Jakarta’s GAMA capital tower – the tallest building in Indonesia – was lit with the colors of the Ukrainian flag.

The Japanese capital Tokyo also joined the celebration. Many Ukrainians and international supporters gathered in the city center to unfold a huge Ukrainian flag.

Celebration in Tokyo

An event dedicated to Independence Day was also held in Spanish Barcelona. There was a charity concert, an art fair and Ukrainian traditional treats. Most Ukrainians were dressed in embroidered shirts. The event was also attended by employees of the Consulate of Ukraine in Barcelona, who personally congratulated the Ukrainians who are currently in Spain.

Celebration in Barcelona, Spain

In addition, the tallest skyscraper in the world, located in the city of Dubai – Burj Khalifa – was highlighted with the colors of the Ukrainian flag in support of the Independence Day of Ukraine.

And on Independence Day Paris’ new Kyiv Square was opened. It is located in the city center, near the Petit Palais Museum, next to the Champs Elysees. The opening of the square was attended by the mayor of Kyiv Vitali Klitschko.