Ukrainian Poetry Evening in Bilbao, Basque Country, Spain

On June 23rd, a heartwarming event took place in Bilbao, Basque Country—the Ukrainian Poetry Evening, organized in collaboration with Asociación “Ucrania-Euskadi.” The evening brought together Ukrainians and Spaniards, united by their shared desire to discover the beauty of Ukrainian poetry and connect through deep emotions expressed in verse.

The talented actress Olga Sobko graced the stage, reading poems by both Ukrainian and international poets, translated into Ukrainian. The poems touched on themes that resonate with every individual—love, hope, dreams, faith, and freedom. With her evocative voice, Olga Sobko conveyed the depth of these emotions, filling the room with warmth and sincerity.

Thanks to the collaboration with BBK Kuna, the event was held in a cozy and central space in the city, with an audience that included Ukrainians, as well as friends, volunteers, and members of the Basque community.

Our Ukrainian poetry is a reflection of our history. The resonance of this evening stays with us to this day. For some, it was their first encounter with Ukrainian poetry; for others, it was a return home. For many of us, it became an opportunity to pause and experience emotions that had been set aside for later. Ukrainian poetry is a reflection of our history—love, pain, despair, wisdom, courage, and constant struggle. The art of living.

To make the evening accessible to all, every poem was accompanied by Spanish subtitles, allowing the Spanish audience to fully grasp the meaning of each line and immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the event. This important element enabled the Spaniards not only to listen but to feel Ukrainian poetry as if they were reading it in their native language.

The program was filled with touching and powerful moments. The poems echoed themes of love—for family, homeland, and freedom. Hope and dreams, which sustain people even in the most difficult times, inspired everyone present to reflect on their own lives. The belief in a better future and the unyielding fight for freedom were the central themes of the evening, bringing tears to many listeners.

The Ukrainian diaspora in Bilbao expressed their gratitude for the chance to reconnect with their culture through poetry. Spaniards, encountering Ukrainian literature for the first time, were deeply moved by the depth and emotion in the works. “It was an evening of unity, where words became a bridge between cultures,” shared one guest.

Events like this demonstrate the power of art to unite people, regardless of their background or language. The Ukrainian Poetry Evening in Bilbao was a true celebration of the soul, leaving a lasting impact on everyone who attended.

Audience feedback confirmed that poetry is a powerful way to express deep emotions and thoughts, especially when performed with such sensitivity and sincerity, as Olga Sobko did. The evening ended with prolonged applause, and guests continued to discuss the poems, sharing their impressions and gratitude for this unforgettable event.

This occasion is yet another reminder that through culture and art, we can build strong bonds between nations and open new chapters in our shared human experience.