1/2 The first Ukraine meeting in 2022 in Den Bosch. (Photo: Karel Burger Dirven)
“I can’t give Ukrainians a better gift,” says initiator Karel Burger Dirven. After three years, another Ukrainian party is celebrated on the Parade in Den Bosch on Ascension Day. “The first time was the war just three months old and there was still hope for a quick end. Now that dot on the horizon is almost gone. It has to be a fun and positive day, because there is a need for that, Karel explains that honorary consul is for Ukraine and so the interests.
What is special is that there will be 60 injured veterans from the Ukraine in Den Bosch. These are soldiers who were injured in the war and recover here in the Netherlands. “These are real heroes for me,” says Karel.
“View of fast peace is gone. The tension about those who stayed behind is growing. I hope that we will be positive that day. Front page news are no longer the war victims. I want Ukraine to get attention and that the involvement does not quietly disappear.”
“It is also meant to thank people.”
Ukrainian musical heroes will perform that afternoon. “There is Oleg SkryPka. What Guus Meeuwis is for Brabant is Oleg for Ukraine,” says Karel enthusiastically. That there was no party for Ukrainians in recent years is not because there was no need for it, but because it is all arranged by volunteers.
“Three years ago, Corona was just over and everyone was craving for being together and parties and it was quickly organized. After that, it all became more sour with applying for permits and other rules.”
Everyone is welcome at the Parade that 29th of May. “It is also intended to thank people. Think of host families, administrators, employers who have all helped to make Ukrainians feel at home,” explains Karel. While the initiator tells, he becomes increasingly enthusiastic.
“The stories you hear touch you.”
“Because of the music, the service in the Sint Jan, the ritual of the flag worn in a cathedral, it is such an authentic and real party. This can not leave anyone untouched, even if you have nothing to do with this country. The stories you hear that day touch you and then Ukraine suddenly comes very close.”
Where there were a maximum of 1500 visitors in 2022, between 2500 and 4000 are now expected. “From Groningen to Maastricht, this is one for everyone who feels connected to this country at war,” Karel continues. “Now 110,000 people have fled from the Ukraine who are staying in our country. This turns out to be a stable community that maintains contact with each other despite the distance. You also notice that they integrate well. I hear that from drivers and employers.”
