Sarata

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For other uses, see Sarata (disambiguation).

Sarata (Ukrainian, Bulgarian, and Russian: Сарата; Romanian: Sărata; ) is a town in the Odessa Oblast (province) of south-western Ukraine. It is the administrative center of the Saratsky Raion (district), and is part of the Bessarabian historic district of Budjak.

The current estimated population is around 5,200 (as of 2001). The town dates to 1822. Much of it is filled with crop fields and abandoned military bases. Many people here own their own farm animals although you would not call them farmers. Much of the community is modernized and still growing. The community holds many celebrations and parades, especially during the spring/summer time. Being only two hours away from the city, it is a convenient way to spend your summer relaxing.

Its name means "salty" in Romanian and is derived from the Sarata River, which flows through the town. A literal interpretation of Sărata in Romanian is the salted [female] one .

In spring of 1822 a group of Germans travelled to the lands. In their group was 63 families and 9 without relatives; they were led by Pastor Lindol. They set up a colony around a well with an underground spring. They named the camp Sarata - just like the river that ran through the lands. Around the well the group built small houses, tents, and barns. Being a source of life, the well was included into the coat of arms of Sarata at the time.