Antwerp’s Ukrainian community came together to mark the 33rd anniversary of Ukraine’s independence with a vibrant celebration at the Objekty concept store.
The event, filled with music, art, and cultural expression, offered attendees a unique opportunity to enjoy Ukrainian culture while supporting a greater cause: providing aid to Ukraine’s defenders amid the ongoing war.
The celebration was more than just a festive occasion. In an interview with the store’s owner, Oksana Senyczak, it became clear that behind the joyous atmosphere lay a profound sense of responsibility and solidarity with those facing the harsh realities of war in Ukraine.
“This event, like many others we organise, serves the dual purpose of promoting Ukrainian culture and raising funds for Ukrainian defenders,” Oksana explained.
Music was a central part of the evening’s festivities, with a special performance by The Good Vibes, a Ukrainian jazz band consisting of Pavlo Cherniavskyi on piano and two members of the Brussels-based Advantage project: Ira Dubenko on vocals and Yaroslav Tovarianskyi on bass.
The trio performed a set of Ukraine-inspired music, drawing on contemporary influences, Ukrainian folk traditions, and their unique synergy as musicians. Their music added an extra layer of depth to the event, highlighting the rich cultural heritage of Ukraine while resonating with the emotional undertones of the occasion.
From the start, the charitable mission was a central theme.”We want people to have a great evening, enjoy good music, but at the same time, we must remember the urgency of supporting our soldiers on the front lines. They still need a lot of supplies,” Oksana continued.
The funds raised during the event will go towards purchasing critical equipment such as drones and pickups to aid in medical evacuations. “Pickups are vital for transporting injured soldiers from the front lines to safety,” she added.
A part of the proceeds will also go to assist a Ukrainian individual undergoing surgery in Austria, underscoring the wide-reaching impact of the charitable efforts.
In addition, Oksana and her team plan to support Ukrainian children and provide medical aid in other areas. She assured that all funds raised would be transparently reported on the Objekty Instagram page, so attendees and donors could see exactly where their contributions were making a difference.
Throughout the evening, a donation box stood prominently, encouraging attendees to contribute whatever they could. “There are many projects we can support,” Oksana noted, “but right now, the most important thing is helping Ukraine survive. Our defenders need as much support as possible to stand against the Russian aggressor.”
The dedication of Oksana, her family, and the broader community was palpable. When asked about the effort required to keep such initiatives going, she humbly deflected credit, emphasising the collective nature of the work.
“It’s not only me. My family, friends, and several other organisations here in Antwerp have been working tirelessly. The Ukrainian Church, for example, cooks and sells meals every Sunday to raise funds for Ukrainian soldiers,” she said.
Oksana also acknowledged that maintaining the momentum for these efforts can be exhausting, yet the community perseveres. “Of course, people get tired. But when someone feels fatigued, they remind themselves that the soldiers on the front lines have far more reason to be tired. So, we keep going. We will continue to support the Ukrainian army for as long as we can,” she affirmed.
One of the key figures at the event was Julian Matytchak, Oksana’s son, a Belgian-born local with deep ties to the Ukrainian community.
Though born in Antwerp, Julian identifies strongly with his Ukrainian heritage, and this event held significant meaning for him. “It means very much to me. Even though I was born here, I feel more Ukrainian than Belgian. Events like these give me the opportunity to connect with my roots, to speak Ukrainian, listen to our music, and experience our culture,” Julian explained.
The celebration offered a rich blend of cultural pride and community spirit, underscoring the enduring connection between Ukrainians in the diaspora and their homeland.
The music of The Good Vibes and Advantage project provided a poignant soundtrack, creating an atmosphere of both reflection and joy. For Julian, as for others in attendance, the event was an affirmation of identity—a chance to reconnect with Ukraine, even from afar.
Despite the upbeat mood and festive environment, the underlying focus remained on Ukraine’s ongoing struggle and the need to provide continued support.
Oksana and Julian’s determination to make a tangible impact through these cultural events exemplifies the resilience of the Ukrainian community abroad. Whether through raising money for medical supplies, military equipment, or humanitarian aid, their efforts represent a vital lifeline for those affected by the conflict in Ukraine.
The event at Objekty concept store was a powerful reminder of the strength of community and the importance of collective action.
As Ukraine continues to face immense challenges, the efforts of its diaspora in places like Antwerp demonstrate an unwavering commitment to their homeland, even thousands of miles away. As Oksana poignantly noted, “We will go on supporting the Ukrainian Army as long as we can.”
In the end, Ukraine’s 33rd Independence Day celebration in Antwerp was not only a day to enjoy the richness of Ukrainian culture but also a testament to the enduring solidarity and support that the global Ukrainian community continues to offer in these challenging times.
Read also:
Objekty: A Ukrainian Business Flourishes in Antwerp – An Interview with Oksana Senyczak
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