On September 10, the Odesaplatz square in the Lichtenberg district hosted the OdesaFest — a cultural event that united the Ukrainian community and residents of Berlin around Odesa.

The festival kicked off 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 character.

Lichtenberg's mayor, Martin Schaefer, expressed his personal support for the festival. In his speech, he emphasized the importance of cultural solidarity with Ukraine, particularly with Odesa, which symbolizes 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», - noted the event's initiator, Angelika Soldatenko.

During the festival, a fundraising campaign was also organized for turnstiles for Ukrainian paramedics — yet another example of how culture can become a tool for support and unity.

The event took place as 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.