The richness of the themes, shapes and colours of the embroidery on the towels on display, more than an expression of cultural identity, is a symbol of their unity and resilience.

Credits: Supplied Image;

This was explained by Roman Grymalyuk, president of ORANTA – Associação de Apoio à Comunidade Ucraniana em Portugal, who organised the event, inviting representatives of the municipal bodies to the symbolic act of adding another towel to the 120 existing ones, representing the community living in Portugal.

The symbology of the colours, sombre and dark or cheerful and colourful, depending on the times of war and peace experienced by Ukrainian people, illustrate the cultural characteristics of each region of Ukraine, the communities living outside their country of origin, the traditions of each family nucleus, the festive seasons or even the moments of family life when these works are executed and offered, showcasing the diversity of this exhibition, which, after having passed through Faro and Lagos, will go on to Lisbon and other European capitals.

Credits: Supplied Image;

“Towel of Unity – Towel of Victory for Ukraine!” is a project that began in 2024, in Tallinn, on the occasion of the Day of Defenders of Ukraine. Its main goal is to connect Ukrainians from all over the world by embroidering towels together, symbolising unity, strength of spirit, and the aspiration of victory.