Independence Day in Puerto de la Cruz, 2025

Even thousands of kilometers away from home, in the middle of the exotic landscapes of the Canary Islands, the Ukrainian heart beats in unison with its country. This year, the Spanish town of Puerto de la Cruz on Tenerife turned into a little Ukraine for one day. The local diaspora and Ukrainians who found temporary shelter here gathered together to celebrate the country's most important public holiday - Ukraine's Independence Day.

Vyshyvankas among palm trees

From the very beginning of the event, the atmosphere was filled with incredible energy. The square fluttered with blue-and-yellow flags, and most guests came in beautiful vyshyvankas that contrasted with Canarian palm trees and the ocean breeze. People hugged, met each other, shared news, and simply rejoiced in the chance to hear their native language.

The celebration began with the traditional performance of the National Anthem of Ukraine. In the moment when hundreds of voices merged into one, many people had tears in their eyes - tears of pride in their unbreakable people and longing for their homeland.

Children's dances: a future that cannot be defeated

The true highlight of the evening was the performance of the youngest Ukrainians. Children - our future and our greatest inspiration - prepared a touching dance program. Girls in flower wreaths and boys in embroidered shirts danced enthusiastically to modern Ukrainian hits and folk melodies.

Their sincere smiles, energy, and spontaneity drew storms of applause. The audience cheered for the young performers, because these children's dances under the peaceful Spanish sky became a symbol that the Ukrainian nation lives, develops, and passes its traditions to the next generations, wherever they may be.

Guitar songs and heartfelt conversations

When the sun began to sink toward the ocean, the celebration took on a more intimate, family-like format. The time came for the most soulful part of the gathering - songs with guitar accompaniment.

Someone picked up an instrument, and familiar chords poured over the Puerto de la Cruz seafront. People sang together like one big family gathered around a fire. They sang the legendary "Chervona Ruta," the insurgent song "Oi u luzi chervona kalyna," and modern songs born during the full-scale war that have already become part of people's voice.

With these melodies, people remembered their homes, shared personal stories, and thanked those thanks to whom this day is possible at all - Ukrainian defenders. A moment of silence for the fallen Heroes became one more reminder of the high price of our freedom.

Unity that gives strength

The Independence Day celebration in Puerto de la Cruz became something bigger than just a cultural event. It turned into a session of collective support. There were Ukrainian treats, improvised fairs, friendly hugs, and words of comfort.

This day in Tenerife proved once again: Ukrainians can be scattered around the world, but Ukraine cannot be torn out of their hearts. We are united, we are strong, and we will definitely return home with Victory.

Glory to Ukraine! Glory to the Heroes!