Independence Day in Ukraine

Every year, many Ukrainians celebrate their country’s independence on August 24. It is a public holiday across Ukraine.

The Ukrainian flag is seen outdoors on Independence Day.

©iStockphoto.com/unkas_photo

What do people do?

Independence Day in Ukraine is a big celebration that sees parades and crowds of people in folk costumes, with some waving the Ukrainian flag. Other Independence Day events may include:

• Fireworks.
• Outdoor exhibitions.
• Concerts.
• Free public markets and fairs.
• Circuses.
• Sporting events.

There are many celebrations across the country to mark Independence Day, with some continuing for days after August 24.

Public life

Independence Day is a national public holiday in Ukraine so many shops, museums, and libraries, as well as government offices and educational institutions are closed.

Background

Ukraine’s Independence Day commemorates the anniversary of the country’s independence. Prior to 1991, Ukraine was a constituent republic of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (U.S.S.R.). On August 24, 1991, after a failed coup in Moscow, Ukraine declared its independence. About 90 percent of Ukrainians voted for their country’s independence following this declaration, on December 1, 1991.

Symbols

Many Ukrainians show their country’s flag to celebrate their Independence Day. It is a banner of 2 equally sized horizontal bands of blue and yellow.

Independence Day Observances

Other holidays in August 2013 in Ukraine