Odessa residents organized a motorcade with flags and flares to celebrate Independence Day

On August 24, the traditional car parade in honor of Ukraine’s Independence Day took place in Odesa. About a hundred cars, decorated with Ukrainian flags, joined the procession.

According to an Intenta correspondent, the participants formed the motorcade on Lanzheronivska Street and then drove through the city’s main streets.

The route ran along Lanzheronivska, Pushkinska, Hretska, Richelievska, Pryvokzalnyi Lane, Pryvokzalna Square, Serednofontanska, Pirogovska Street, Pirogovsky Lane, Shevchenko Avenue, 10 Kvitnya Square, Chernyakhovsky Street, Fontanska Road, Segedskaya Street, and Gagarin Avenue. Afterward, the procession returned to Lanzheronivska Street.

At 10 Kvitnya Square, the participants stopped for a group photo.

According to our correspondent, who was among the participants, it is difficult to determine the exact number of cars each time, but usually about 100 vehicles join the motorcade. People also joined the motorcade directly while it was moving.

This year, the motorcade included military personnel, families of prisoners of war, families of fallen heroes, and anyone else who wished to participate.

Despite the air raid alerts and Russian attacks, the event went ahead. People on the streets reacted enthusiastically to the convoy—smiling, filming the cars, and waving back at the participants.

“It’s very inspiring and heartwarming to see how people react, especially the children—how their eyes light up. I saw joy and enthusiastic support in various places. It was especially nice to see the reaction of the employees at McDonald’s and “Halia Baluvana”—they waved at us, smiled, and cheered on the motorcade,” said the Ntent correspondent.

The Independence Day motorcade has been held in Odesa for several years now. Participants decorate their cars with Ukrainian symbols and drive through the city to celebrate the national holiday together.

Андрій Колісніченко