The acting mayor, María José Ferrer San Segundo, participated in the commemorative event in the plaza de la Mare de Déu alongside the Ukrainian community, which exceeds 14,000 people in the city.
The plaza de la Mare de Déu in Valencia hosted this Monday the commemorative event for the 35th anniversary of Ukraine's independence, a gathering that brought together the Ukrainian community, its associations, and representatives of the institutions. The councillor for Finance and acting mayor, María José Ferrer San Segundo, attended on behalf of the Valencia City Council and its mayor, María José Catalá.
The event was called by the Ukrainian Association in the Valencian Community ‘Ukraina’ and the Federation of Ukrainian Associations in Spain, presided over by Mikhaylo Petruniak. The honorary consul of Ukraine in the Valencian Community, Pablo Gil, was also present.
During her speech, Ferrer San Segundo highlighted the significance of the date August 24, which symbolizes the freedom, democracy, and sovereignty of Ukraine. “Ukrainians should feel a special pride and collective dignity always, but especially on August 24: the day we celebrate your birth as a democratic and free state, 35 years ago,” she stated.
The acting mayor also referred to the Russian invasion, which began on February 22, 2022, and praised “the courage of a people that resists.” In her speech, she wanted to emphasize the integration of Ukrainians in Valencia: “The new Ukrainian Valencians, who have made Valencia your home, integrating into our community and enriching our society.”
According to municipal census data, over 14,000 Ukrainian people currently reside in the city. Ferrer San Segundo addressed them with a message of closeness: “In each of you, there is struggle, bravery, and truth. Valencia has welcomed you as neighbours and stands by you closely. And Valencia will always carry each of you in its heart.”
The event served to reaffirm the ties between the city and the Ukrainian community, in an atmosphere of institutional support for the country's sovereignty. The councillor concluded that Valencia and Ukraine are united by “what we defend with conviction: freedom, peace, national sovereignty, solidarity, and democracy.”
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