"Tango Freedom" concert dedicated to the 215th anniversary of the May Revolution of Argentina was held in Kyiv
A solemn concert dedicated to the legendary Argentine composer Astor Piazzolla titled "Tango Freedom" took place on Tuesday at the Kyiv Academic Puppet Theater.
The event was organized by the Embassy of Argentina in Ukraine with the participation of representatives of the Ukrainian government, diplomatic corps, artists and cultural community. The event was timed to the 215th anniversary of the May Revolution of the Argentine Republic, an event that marked the beginning of the liberation struggle for Argentine independence in 1810.
The distinguished guests of the event were such as First Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Sergiy Kyslytsya, Deputy Head of the Presidential Office Ihor Zhovkva, as well as MPs, ministerial officials and ambassadors of foreign countries.
"Dear compatriots, welcome to the celebration of the two hundred and fifteenth anniversary of the May Revolution of 1810, which marked the beginning of the path to our independence. Today, we honor that same spirit of freedom here in Ukraine, in a country that has defended its sovereignty, its territorial integrity and its right to choose its own path with impressive courage and dignity,"
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Argentina to Ukraine Elena Leticia Mikusinski addressed the guests.
The Ambassador also quoted the statement of the Argentine Foreign Minister: "Since the beginning of the Russian invasion, we have always stood by Ukraine. We have supported its legitimate right to defend its territories and sovereignty. We will continue to support Ukraine."
In his speech, Kyslytsia drew historical parallels between Argentina's revolutionary movement of the early nineteenth century and Ukraine's current struggle for freedom. "215 years ago, a powerful impulse was born in Buenos Aires - the May Revolution. In 1810, Argentines chose freedom, dignity and independence. Today, Ukraine is fighting for these principles. That is why the slogan of this event is so close to us: Tango de la libertad," he said.
The diplomat also reminded that Argentina was the first Latin American country to recognize Ukraine's independence in 1991, and even earlier - in 1921 - the Ukrainian People's Republic.
"Today, Argentina is with Ukraine again - in condemning Russian aggression and providing humanitarian aid, in a clear position for the truth and freedom of Ukraine. This is not just diplomacy. This is a true friendship. Amistad valiente. Amistad verdadera," Kyslytsya emphasized.
The cultural program included a concert "Tango Freedom" dedicated to composer Astor Piazzolla. "Tonight we will witness the unity of wonderful Ukrainian musicians who will perform the works of our favorite Astor Piazzolla. May the same music always sound in this tango of two nations - the music of freedom," Mikusinski said.
The May Revolution (Revolución de Mayo) took place in Buenos Aires on May 18-25, 1810. As a result, the Spanish colonial administration was removed, and the national government, the First Junta, became the first step towards Argentina's independence, proclaimed on July 9th, 1816.
Astor Piazzolla (1921-1992) was a prominent Argentine composer and bandoneon player, the founder of the nuevo tango style, which combined traditional tango with elements of jazz, classical music and the avant-garde. His work is known all over the world and is considered one of the symbols of Argentina's cultural identity.