By Natalya Krasnenkova

Wednesday was a day filled with mixed emotions as the Ukrainian community in Killarney celebrated the 31st anniversary of the Independence Day of Ukraine.

The Yershovy family at the ANAM Cultural Centre for the Independence Day of Ukraine on Wednesday.

SONG: Olena Basko singing The Cranberries 'Zombie' at the ANAM Cultural Centre for the Independence Day of Ukraine on Wednesday. Photo: Michelle Crean

EMOTIONAL: Valentina Varinaha and Halina Shtakal feeling emotional at the concert in ANAM Cultural Centre for the Independence Day of Ukraine on Wednesday. Photo: Michelle Crean

UNITED: Ukrainians Valentina Varinaha Halina Shtakal Shokhrat Ahabekov and Oksana Bondarenko united as they attended the concert in the ANAM Cultural Centre for the Independence Day of Ukraine on Wednesday. Photo: Michelle Crean

PERFORMING: Yaromyr Basko pictured singing with his friends at the ANAM Cultural Centre on Wednesday.

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AUDIENCE: A large crowd gathered at the concert in ANAM Cultural Centre for the Independence Day of Ukraine on Wednesday. Photo: Michelle Crean

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TOGETHER: Tatiana Berzin Platon Eismont and Natalia Eismont together enjoying the music song and dance at the ANAM Cultural Centre concert for the Independence Day of Ukraine on Wednesday. Photo: Michelle Crean

More than 200 spectators attended the Ukrainian show at the ANAM Cultural Centre and included songs, dances, gymnastic numbers, a masterclass for children and a joint flash mob in blue and yellow clothes - the colours of the Ukrainian flag.

Traditionally on this day, Ukrainians gather to celebrate liberation from many years of being part of an artificial entity - the Soviet Union under the domination of Russia - and the acquisition of the status of an independent state.

“This is our first Independence Day outside Ukraine so we are delighted to invite our new Irish friends to share the celebration with us," organisers Natalia Krasnenkova, Yevhenia Omelchenko and Alevtyna Rutto said.

Five violinists of the Yeroshovy sisters performed in front of the guests with a programme consisting of classical and Ukrainian works. The sisters brought instruments with them to Ireland and continue to practice their skills.

“Independence Day for our family is a day of justice, a day of support for truth and honour. Ukraine exists, it is strong and beautiful, and indomitable Ukrainians, thanks to their unity, will overcome everything and will not make old mistakes again. With our music, we want to support people who are far from their homeland, who left the Motherland unprepared and against their will. Dear Ukrainians, feel at home on Independence Day. We will give you pieces of our hearts, our music, which was learned in Ukraine, because there is the best children's music education and many other best things in the world!” Alena Yershova said.

The organisers of the concert had already put concerts together before Easter and as part of Ukrainian Day at K-FEST. All the concert participants are Ukrainians living in Killarney and Kerry. The organisers joked that now they need to organise an All-Ireland tour of Ukrainians talents.

Niall Kelleher, Mayor of Killarney who visited the celebration said that the new experience of cooperation between Ukrainians and town hall gives excellent results.

"Today we have a wonderful holiday, for which I want to thank all the participants and the entire town hall team, thanks to whom it was possible."

FEATURE FILM

A Ukrainian film was shown in the Great Southern Killarney. 'The Rising Hawk' in English, was presented within the framework of the World Charity Film Marathon in support of Ukraine/CinemAid Ukraine Charity Film Marathon.

It's a 2019 American-Ukrainian feature film directed by Akhtem Seitablayev and John Winn, an adaptation of Ivan Franko's historical novel of the same name 'Zakhar Berukt'. The slogan of the film is 'Freedom is my essence'. The co-organiser from the Ukrainian side is the Watch Ukrainian Association.

Through cultural diplomacy, Ukrainians strive to tell as many locals as possible about themselves and their country. It is especially pleasant that many guests came to the events on the occasion of the Independence Day of Ukraine.

"We are very grateful for the help in organising the event: Killarney Chamber of Tourism and Commerce, Town Hall Killarney, Kerry County Council, ANAM Cultural Centre, Great Southern Killarney, and the Association of Ukrainians in Republic of Ireland.