Ukrainians in Valencia honor children killed by Russia in Kryvyi Rih with memorial performance

The Ukrainian community in the eastern Spanish coastal city of Valencia held a silent performance on Ukraine’s National Day of Mourning, April 6, in front of the Basilica of the Holy Virgin to honor the nine children killed in the Russian terrorist attack in Kryvyi Rih on April 4.

“This performance became a profound artistic testimony and a human cry that cannot be forgotten,” the organizers wrote.

The event began with a prayer with Father Álvaro, the priest of the Basilica, addressing the crowd in Spanish and led a memorial service. 

His words echoed across the square, explaining to those present, “We are here – without slogans or banners, only with pain in our hearts.”

Not only lullabies but also real audio recordings of the tragedy in Kryvyi Rih played during the performance – voices of parents and children, cries, and warnings of a second missile strike.

“This was one of the most painful moments, revealing the harsh reality of war without any filters or embellishments,” the organizers wrote.

The participants also recited the “Our Father” prayer together before observing a moment of silence.

The event was initiated by the Ukrainian diaspora in Valencia and was created and executed by Ukrainian volunteer, activist, and director Pavlo Bekezin.

Nearly 200 people from Valencia and other cities in Spain (Jalpa, Sagunto, Denia, Gandia, San Pedro del Pinatar, Cullera), as well as attendees from Poland and other European countries, took part in the performance.

“Spaniards, friends of Ukrainians, and even random passersby joined in, listened, returned with toys, hugged, and cried. Tears were everywhere. It was grief shared among nations,” the organizers wrote.

Following the initiative of the church officials, memorial services will be held at the Basilica of the Holy Virgin for each child who perished, with the names of the children read aloud every evening over the next week.

“We thank Valencia. For your embraces. For your grief. For your actions. But the time for sympathy has passed. It’s time for decisive action,” the community wrote.