The Ukrainian community in Longford is hosting 'Ukrainian Celebration Day' to recognise and share their culture.
The event will feature live music, including a performance by the Longford Ukrainian Choir, Ukrainian cuisine and crafts, a photo exhibition, an art workshop, face painting, and children’s entertainment.
Organisers are encouraging as many people as possible to attend Temperance Hall in Longford town from 1pm until 6pm.
Ukrainian outreach support worker with Longford Community Resources Anna Petrova said there are approximately 800 Ukrainians living in the county, and more than 200 in the town.
Ms Petrova arrived in Ireland in 2022 and immediately began volunteering, before she began her role working at Longford Community Resources in the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme.
"Every day I am extremely grateful for Longford’s community for being so welcoming. I like living in Longford town, where every day I meet many friendly, kind, and open-hearted people."
She said Longford town has been a very welcoming place, explaining that now they want to integrate and contribute back to the people and community that welcomed them.
Ms Petrova said they have found new friends, are employed in local enterprises, attend local educational centres such as National Learning Network, LWETB courses and Further College of Education.
"There are few businesses open by Ukrainians in the town now and some are volunteering in local initiatives and projects."
The Committee of the Ukrainian Community in Longford decided to organise Ukrainian Celebration Day as a way to celebrate and share their culture and tradition with the broader community in Longford, as well as preserving their identity and showing solidarity.
The event is being held a day ahead of the Ukrainian Day of Independence,
"In the context of the ongoing war with Russia, the Independence Day has acquired special significance for every citizen of Ukraine no matter where they are located and living now.
"On Saturday, the Ukrainian community in Longford is going to participate in numerous national events organised in Dublin."
This week it has been reported that an Irishman who was fighting with Ukrainian forces in eastern Ukraine is missing in action and presumed dead.
Alex Ryzhuk, 20, had been serving as a volunteer with the Ukrainian military, but it is understood he was reported missing in recent weeks.
Mr Ryzhuk was born in Dublin to Ukrainian parents and lived in the Rathmines area.
Ms Petrova said this is a scenario many Ukrainians in Ireland and in Ukraine can relate to.
"Unfortunately, it is common, and it is difficult to find information about them. For instance, my own neighbour’s 28-year-old son is missing since 2022. Even with the help of international organisations she still does not know where he is."
When asked if she would like to stay in Ireland or return to Ukraine when the war is over Ms Petrova said no one from the Ukrainian community can answer this question at the moment "because there is a lot of uncertainty even about the nearest future".
The Ukrainian Day Celebration is organised by the Ukrainian community in Longford and supported by Longford Community Resources Clg, through the Social Inclusion and Community Activation Programme.
The Ukrainian group recently completed a Committee Skills course, organised by LWETB, and set up a committee.
This is their first event in this capacity.
