Ukraine

Public Holidays and Bank Holidays 2025 2026 2027

Ukraine : Public Holidays and Bank Holidays 2025 2026 2027

YearDateHoliday

Ukraine

Public Holidays in Ukraine

Ukraine has a rich cultural heritage reflected in its public holidays, which celebrate national history, religion, and cultural traditions. These days are marked by various festivities, family gatherings, and official ceremonies throughout the country. Observing public holidays is an important part of Ukrainian life, offering people time to honor their past and enjoy traditional customs.

  • New Year's Day (Новий рік)

    • Origin & Significance: Celebrates the beginning of the calendar year.
    • Date & Observance: January 1st. It is commonly celebrated with family gatherings, fireworks, and festive meals.
    • Notable: It is followed by the Orthodox Christmas celebrations on January 7th.

  • Orthodox Christmas Day (Різдво Христове)

    • Origin & Significance: Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, according to the Julian calendar used by the Orthodox Church.
    • Date & Observance: January 7th. Traditions include church services, caroling, and special meals featuring dishes like kutya (a ceremonial grain dish).
    • Notable: It is a deeply religious holiday with both spiritual and cultural importance.

  • International Women's Day (Міжнародний жіночий день)

    • Origin & Significance: Honors women's achievements and promotes gender equality.
    • Date & Observance: March 8th. It is celebrated with giving flowers and gifts to women, as well as public acknowledgments in workplaces and schools.
    • Notable: It has roots in the socialist movement and remains widely celebrated in Ukraine.

  • Easter (Великдень)

    • Origin & Significance: Celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
    • Date & Observance: Date varies each year, usually in April. Traditions include attending church services, blessing Easter baskets, and preparing special foods like painted eggs (pysanky) and Easter bread (paska).
    • Notable: It is the most important religious holiday for Ukrainians.

  • Victory Day over Nazism in World War II (День перемоги)

    • Origin & Significance: Commemorates the victory over Nazi Germany in 1945.
    • Date & Observance: May 9th. Military parades and remembrance ceremonies are held, along with laying flowers at war memorials.
    • Notable: It remains a significant day of remembrance, particularly for older generations.

  • Constitution Day (День Конституції України)

    • Origin & Significance: Marks the adoption of the Ukrainian Constitution in 1996.
    • Date & Observance: June 28th. The day is observed with official ceremonies, patriotic events, and public speeches.
    • Notable: Represents Ukraine's commitment to democracy and sovereignty.

  • Independence Day (День Незалежності)

    • Origin & Significance: Celebrates Ukraine's independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.
    • Date & Observance: August 24th. It includes large-scale patriotic events, concerts, fireworks, and parades.
    • Notable: It is the most prominent national holiday, emphasizing national pride.

  • Defender of Ukraine Day (День захисника України)

    • Origin & Significance: Honors the country’s military and veterans.
    • Date & Observance: October 14th. It coincides with the Day of the Ukrainian Cossacks and the religious feast of the Intercession of the Theotokos.
    • Notable: Celebrated with military ceremonies and public events.

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