Local celebrations are planned for Thursday to mark Ukrainian Independence Day.

Some 3,000 Ukrainians—most of whom have arrived in the province since the Russian invasion in February of 2022—now call Newfoundland and Labrador home.

This year’s celebration, set for the George Street Stage in St. John’s, will feature musical and dance performances and an interactive Ukrainian dancing workshop.

Ukrainian NL spokesperson Maria Cherwick says Ukrainian Independence Day has been celebrated since the breakup of the former Soviet Union in 1991.

Cherwick says in the last two years it’s taken on even more significance in light of the ongoing fight for independence, freedom and peace in light of the Russian invasion.

She says they wanted to make this year’s celebration particularly joyous and positive, despite the ongoing war, to share Ukrainian culture with the people of NL.

Performers include Dolya Ukrainian Dance Company, the Cherwick String Band, Sunflower Duo, Maksym Mikhanik and special guests the Salt Beef Junkies.

The free, all-ages event is taking place this Thursday on George Street from 7:00 to 9:30 p.m.