Ukraine's Independence Day

Heart of Ukraine in Coimbra

Name: Heart of Ukraine in Coimbra — 3rd Edition
Start: 2026-08-24T17:00:00+01:00
End: 2026-08-25T00:00:00+01:00
Location: Praça do Mercado — Mercado Municipal D. Pedro V

3rd Edition

Date and hours: 24 August 2026 · 17:00–00:00
Venue: Praça do Mercado · Mercado Municipal D. Pedro V · Coimbra
Entry: Free entry

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Full programme now available

A day to celebrate together

On Ukraine's Independence Day, the heart of Ukraine will beat once again in Coimbra.

A celebration of Ukrainian culture — alive, creative, and diverse — bringing together the Ukrainian, Portuguese, and international communities through food, art, music, and shared experiences.

More than a festival, this is a meeting place for cultures and generations — a day to discover Ukraine, support its community, and celebrate freedom together.

What you will find

A full day of flavours, workshops, arts and music, from early afternoon into the night.

Ukrainian food and drinks
Traditional Ukrainian dishes and sweets, served throughout the day.
Ukrainian cooking show
A live cooking demonstration with Ukrainian recipes explained to the audience.
Crafts, art and small businesses
A market with Ukrainian makers, handmade pieces and community projects.
Creative workshops for children
Hands-on activities and workshops for younger visitors, with facilitators.
Temporary tattoos and themed photo area
A decorated backdrop for photos, plus temporary tattoos for all ages.
Ukrainian-inspired tattoos and festival styling
Designs inspired by Ukrainian motifs, plus festival hair styling.
Dance performance by children of the Ukrainian community
A performance prepared by children of Coimbra's Ukrainian community.
Interactive presentation about Ukrainian cultural identity
A moment to discover Ukraine's history, symbols and culture.
Live music by a Ukrainian band
A live concert on the main stage. Artist to be announced.
Ukrainian DJ and closing party
The night closes with a Ukrainian set and dancing until midnight.
Community and solidarity space
A space to meet, learn and support the Ukrainian community.

Programme

The stages of the day, from doors open to the closing party.

17:00Doors open
17:00–00:00Ukrainian food, market and creative workshops
18:00Children's cultural performance
18:30Showcooking
19:45Official ceremony
20:15Concert by a Ukrainian band
21:00Charity auction
21:30Ukrainian DJ set
23:45Thanks and closing words
00:00End of the event

The programme and timings are being finalised and may be subject to minor changes.

See the full programme

Practical information

Date and hours: 24 August 2026 · 17:00–00:00
Venue: Praça do Mercado — Mercado Municipal D. Pedro V, Coimbra
Floor: 1st floor of Mercado Municipal D. Pedro V
Entry: Free entry, no registration
Family friendly: A family event, with activities for children
Getting there: In central Coimbra. Open the location in Google Maps for buses, parking and walking directions.