Constitution Day in Ukraine

A change in Ukraine’s history was made when the country’s Constitution of Independence was adopted on June 28, 1996. Constitution Day is a national holiday to celebrate this historical event. 

Brass bands and parades are part of Ukraine's Constitution Day celebrations.

©iStockphoto.com/toxawww

What do people do?

Many Ukrainians have the day off on Constitution Day and celebrate it with festivities, such as:

• Fireworks.
• Musical events by popular Ukrainian musicians.
• Broadcasting or singing the Ukrainian anthem.
• Large street parades that include brass bands.

The Ukrainian president usually congratulates the country on Constitution Day.

Public life

Constitution Day is a public holiday across Ukraine, so many businesses, schools, universities and public offices are closed.

Background

After gaining independence in 1991, following the collapse of the former Soviet Union, Ukraine began drafting a new constitution. The Constitution of Independent Ukraine was adopted on June 28, 1996. This constitution and its adoption established a legal foundation of the independent Ukraine. It was considered progressive in terms of human rights and freedoms for Ukrainians.

Symbols

Many TV and radio stations broadcast Ukraine’s national anthem, which is a state symbol. Shche ne vmerla Ukraina (“Ukraine has not yet perished”) has been the country’s anthem since 1992. Some of the lyrics are based on a poem written by Ukrainian poet Pavlo Chubynsky in 1862. Ukrainian composer Mykhailo Verbytsky then composed music using Chubynsky’s text. The Ukrainian parliament made some changes to the anthem’s wording in 2003.

Constitution Day Observances

Other holidays in June 2013 in Ukraine

• June Solstice ―Friday, June 21, 2013
• Orthodox Pentecost ―Sunday, June 23, 2013
• Orthodox Pentecost holiday ―Monday, June 24, 2013