Kharkiv Celebrates Independence Day: How the City Near the Front Marked August 24.

Kharkiv Celebrates Independence Day Amid Shelling

According to FREEДOM: Today, August 24, residents of Kharkiv are celebrating Ukraine's Independence Day, not forgetting about safety. Due to the danger of hostilities and constant shelling, the celebrations are taking place underground. Musicians and local theater artists will perform at some metro stations. In total, over 60 various events are planned during these festive days that unite the State Flag Day, Kharkiv City Day, and Independence Day, reports FREEДОМ TV correspondent Natalia Belokudrya.

The main day of the country is especially celebrated by local residents. Despite the dangerous circumstances, Kharkiv residents are returning to their hometown from all over the world. The days leading up to the City and State Flag Day are marked by special events in Kharkiv: squares, parks, and recreational areas are adorned with national symbols, and a city emblem is set up near the opera house.

“For me, independence means that all of us here, Kharkiv residents, are united, that we have returned back, most of us indeed, and in general — we are all together!” — says a local resident.

“We are from Liptsy, a community that includes 17 villages in the region. And we are unbreakable, this means — free, beautiful, hardworking, smart, and the best. And independence probably means freedom. It is making your choice, living on your land, working where we want!” — emphasized a resident of Kharkiv region.

“We are currently working in the education sector. We are educators. Therefore, for us, independence means our future, it is our children, their development, their life in Ukraine, their realization, and the prospect of living in Ukraine! We want children to stay and get our — quality Ukrainian education, as it is the best!” — shared Kharkiv resident Irina.

“Independence is the ability to express your own opinion, it is the opportunity to engage in something personal, it is the opportunity to talk about your nation, history, write poetry in a free, beautiful language — this is a great celebration!” — believes Kharkiv resident Olga.

In Kharkiv, one can see many people in traditional embroidered shirts and with patriotic symbols on the streets. Local residents seize any opportunity for a little rest, communication, and entertainment. Law enforcement ensures order, and currently, extraordinary events have not occurred.

August 24 is Ukraine's Independence Day. The festive atmosphere in Kharkiv does not intimidate local residents; on the contrary, it unites them with national pride and patriotism.