Ukraine’s independence day is usually a pretty loud, colourful and popular affair. In previous years the country has celebrated its national identity with dancing, marches, processions and parades. This year, however, with the capital Kyiv still under threat of Russian attacks, the celebrations were understandably a much more muted.
But that hasn’t stopped other countries from marking the occasion. In fact, yesterday (August 24) thousands in the Lithuanian capital of Vilnius attended a ‘mass rave’ to mark 31 years of Ukraine’s independence and show solidarity with the Ukrainian people. And, putting it lightly, it looked like a pretty wild time indeed.
The ‘rave’ was apparently intended to mirror how Ukrainians are apparently holding ‘clean up raves’ in order to restore damaged buildings. The event featured Ukrainian DJ duo ARTBAT and attendees were encouraged to donate in support of Ukraine.
The event attracted thousands of attendees: here are a few pictures of what went down.
Vilnius’ independence day celebration certainly hasn’t been the only act of solidarity from Lithuania since Russia invaded Ukraine back in February. The tiny Baltic state has shown exactly how countries can stand up to Russia, from bold works of anti-Putin graffiti and renaming the street of the Russian embassy to putting Putin in a virtual prison on Google Street View.
Want to do your bit to help? Here are 23 ways to support the people of Ukraine right now.
Plus: you can watch theatre live from Kyiv to support Ukraine.