On September 10, the Odesaplatz square in Lichtenberg hosted the OdesaFest, bringing together the Ukrainian community and Berlin residents to celebrate the essence of Odesa.

The festival kicked off with a photo exhibition showcasing the German roots of our city, complemented by jazz performances, Ukrainian songs, dance acts, and outdoor painting. The event served as a reminder of Odesa's multicultural history and its European character.

Martin Schäfer, the head of Lichtenberg, expressed his personal support for the festival, emphasizing the importance of cultural solidarity with Ukraine and particularly with Odesa, which stands as a symbol of openness and international coexistence.

“Odesa is a city where European influence is deeply rooted. We must preserve this uniqueness and share it with the world,” stated the event's initiator, Angelika Soldatenko.

Additionally, the festival featured a fundraising initiative for turnstiles for Ukrainian paramedics, showcasing how culture can serve as 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 Schäfer and with the support of Berlin parliament member Liliya Usik. The organizer of Odesa Fest is Odesa native Angelika Soldatenko.