February 24 in Santa Cruz
How Ukrainians in Santa Cruz honored the anniversary of the war: a heartfelt gathering at Plaza de Espana with patriotic songs and poetry.
February 24 is a date forever carved into every Ukrainian's memory as a scar of unbearable pain, and at the same time a symbol of absolute resilience. On the anniversary of the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Ukrainian community of Tenerife gathered in the main square of the capital - Plaza de Espana in Santa Cruz. Thousands of kilometers from home, people united to remind the world: the war continues, and Ukrainians remain united wherever they are.
An ocean of solidarity and blue-and-yellow colors
That evening, the usually sunny and bustling Plaza de Espana changed. It was filled with blue-and-yellow flags fluttering against the backdrop of Canarian palm trees and monumental architecture. Men, women, elderly people, and children came in vyshyvankas, holding signs calling to support Ukraine, stop the aggressor, and free Ukrainian prisoners.
The atmosphere was filled with bright sorrow and at the same time incredible strength. Candles were lit in memory of those whose lives were taken by war: soldiers who defended every meter of Ukrainian land, and civilians who became victims of terror. The minute of silence that fell over the square seemed louder than any words - in that silence, everyone remembered their home, their loved ones, and their own morning of February 24.
Words as a weapon: poetry that gives goosebumps
A special part of the rally was literary readings. Ukrainian poetry has always been the voice of the nation, and during the war it gained a new, piercing strength. From an improvised stage, poems by contemporary Ukrainian poets written in trenches and basements were recited, along with classic lines by Taras Shevchenko and Lina Kostenko.
Children and adults recited poetry with tears in their eyes. These lines told of destroyed cities, of waiting for loved ones from the front, and of faith in a bright future. For many Spaniards who stopped in the square, these emotions were understandable even without translation - pain and hope have a universal language.
A song that unites hearts
Where words were not enough, music spoke. The National Anthem of Ukraine echoed across Plaza de Espana - hundreds of people sang it in one voice with their hands on their hearts.
The songs that became symbols of Ukrainian resistance were also heard. The famous "Oi u luzi chervona kalyna" echoed from the walls of surrounding buildings, making passersby stop and listen. Mournful folk songs and modern patriotic compositions also sounded. Singing together worked like therapy: it helped release pain, share it with others, and feel the shoulder of support.
Gratitude and a call to the world
During the rally, words of boundless gratitude were expressed to Spain and to the residents of the Canary Islands for shelter, humanitarian aid, and solidarity. But the main message of the gathering was a reminder: Ukrainians are fighting not only for their own freedom, but also for peace throughout Europe.
Local residents and tourists from different countries approached the demonstrators, expressed support, embraced them, and photographed the signs to spread the truth about the war on their social media.
The gathering at Plaza de Espana in Santa Cruz showed the main thing: you can physically leave Ukraine to escape bombs, but Ukraine never leaves the hearts of its children. The event ended with a shared cry now known throughout the world, which echoed over the Atlantic Ocean: "Glory to Ukraine! - Glory to the Heroes!"