Odesa Culture Festival in Berlin
On September 10, OdesaFest took place at Odesaplatz in the Lichtenberg district, a vibrant cultural event that brought together the Ukrainian community and local residents.
The festival opened with a photo exhibition highlighting the German roots of our city, complemented by jazz performances, Ukrainian songs, dance numbers, and outdoor painting. The event served as a reminder of Odesa's multicultural history and its European spirit.
Lichtenberg's head, Martin Schaefer, expressed his personal support for the festival. In his speech, he emphasized the importance of cultural solidarity with Ukraine, especially with Odesa, which symbolizes openness, freedom, and international coexistence.
“Odesa is a city where European influence is deeply rooted. We must preserve this uniqueness and share it with the world,” said event organizer Angelika Soldatenko.
During the festival, funds were also raised for turnstiles for Ukrainian paramedics, showcasing how culture can be a tool for support and unity.
The event was part of the celebration of Odesa City Day, under the patronage of Lichtenberg's mayor Martin Schaefer and with the support of Berlin parliament member Liliya Usik. The organizer of Odesa Fest is Odesa native Angelika Soldatenko.
