Victory Towel parade continues on through Europe, growing all the way
Lagos will be hosting a “Victory Towel” event on Tuesday May 6 in front of the new town hall, set back from the main avenida.
It will be yet another occasion for the town’s strong Ukrainian population to demonstrate their culture; and their determination to keep it thriving, no matter what.
The culture of rushnyky (embroidered towels) is something that goes back to the pre-Christian era, and is all about bringing happiness and good luck, as well as protection.
This particular project began in Estonia in 2024, in honour of Ukraine’s Defenders Day and after museums were plundered by Russian invaders, and many iconic embroideries stolen.
The ‘Victory Towel’ is a work-in-progress – the idea being that it travels Europe, collecting more beautifully embroidered panels, uniting Ukrainians displaced by the conflict, and showing their strength of commitment to victory.
By the time it arrives in Lagos, the already exceptionally long testament to Ukrainian strength and determination will have seen the 121-st towel added by the town’s Oranta association, which has been supplying Ukraine with everything from custom-made ambulances to home-made candle-stoves for the last three-plus years.
As Oranta explains in its latest Facebook post: “The towel is an ancient and important symbol in Ukrainian culture, representing unity, family ties, spirituality and protection. In this project, it takes on a new meaning – a symbol of the unity of Ukrainians around the world in the face of Russian aggression and their unshakeable faith in victory.
“The initiators of the project are the Estonian Association of Ukrainian Organisations, the National Congress of Parents of Ukraine, the Kherson Volunteer Club, the Kirovohrad Regional Organisation of the Taxpayers’ Association of Ukraine, the NGO “Happy Nation” and other organisations, including “Bom Coração de Portugal”, which is developing the towel’s route.
“The project unites Ukrainians who, because of the war, are in different parts of the world, around a common cultural tradition (…) it demonstrates the strength of spirit, capacity for work and ability of Ukrainians to unite even in difficult times of war.
“The Towel of Victory is also a symbol of hope for Ukraine’s return to its internationally recognised borders”.
The stunning work will be on display, all 200 metres of it, on Tuesday from 10am.
After that, it is ‘on with the show’ to Lisbon, then to France and Germany.
Tuesday’s event will also be an opportunity to connect with Lagos’ Ukrainian community, and help it feel the strength of support that it needs after the recent ‘complicated weeks’ of news, fanned by announcements coming thick and fast from the United States. ND
