Holidays

Holidays in Ukraine

The public holidays in Ukraine uniquely reflect the checkered history of Europe’s second largest country. Throughout the ages, Ukrainians celebrated their Christian Orthodox festivals, but after independence in 1991, they also retained some of the then-state-imposed holidays of the Soviet era. This makes for an interesting mix of tradition, religiosity and regionality.

Overview

New Year’s Day – January 1

Christmas – on January 7

International Women’s Day – on March 8

Orthodox Easter – in May (Easter Sunday and Easter Monday)

Labor Day(s) – on May 1-2

Day of Peace – on May 9

Orthodox Pentecost – in June (Whit Monday)

Constitution Day – on June 28

Independence Day – on August 24

Worth knowing about selected holidays

New Year

New Year’s Day in Ukraine is the most important holiday of the year, especially for children, because on January 1 there are presents from Santa Claus. After the giving of presents by “Father Frost” (“Ded Moroz”) in the night, the children find the gifts early in the morning under the decorated Christmas tree. The Christian Christmas, on the other hand, is celebrated after the New Year, on January 7.

Christmas

The fact that Ukrainians celebrate Christmas only after New Year’s Day is related to the old Julian calendar, according to which Orthodox holidays are calculated. The shift of two weeks means that Advent, and thus Lent for believers, lasts six weeks, culminating in the traditional fish supper on Christmas Eve, January 6. On Christmas Day, January 7, Orthodox Christians first go to Mass. Afterwards, all Ukrainians celebrate extensively with their families – with lots of meat and alcohol.

International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day on March 8 is a public holiday in Ukraine – even for men. Women’s Day enjoys a similar importance among Ukrainians as high Christian holidays. What began about 100 years ago as a socialist day for women’s rights is now a day off work increasingly dominated by commerce. Shops, offices and schools are closed. Men give their wives and sweethearts generous gifts on March 8 and thank their mothers with flowers. Even little girls are congratulated.

May Day(s)

From a state-imposed day of struggle of working people with demonstrations, May 1 after perestroika has become a real holiday, when Ukrainians mainly relax and have fun. Public life is at a standstill on this and the following day. Only trade unions and leftists still demonstrate for the rights of working people on May Day.

Peace Day

May 9, 1945, continues to be observed as an important holiday in Ukraine even after the end of the Soviet era. It commemorates the first day of peace after World War II and is also known as Victory Day of the Soviet Union over Nazi Germany or Liberation Day. Victory Day celebrations take place on different days depending on the front lines. Military parades are still common especially on round anniversaries. World War victims are commemorated in concerts and memorials.

Constitution Day

With the adoption of the first Constitution of Ukraine by the Parliament on June 28, 1996, the day was declared a state holiday. It keeps alive the memory of the founding of the independent Ukrainian state and is therefore also called Founding Day.

Independence Day 1991

August 24 is Ukraine’s national holiday. With it, Ukrainians commemorate their independence from the Soviet Union after perestroika. Ukraine had been autonomous from Russia for a short time after the First World War. In 1991, renewed independence was proclaimed and Ukraine became the second largest country in Europe.