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National Holidays and Observances

Ukraine observes a combination of historical Soviet celebrations, public holidays introduced after independence, and revived Christian festivities. Celebrations of religious holidays and cultural events vary across regions of Ukraine, depending on local traditions. For example, there is more anticipation and emphasis on New Year’s celebrations than Christmas in eastern Ukraine.

Since the annexation of Crimea in 2014, several national holidays and observances have been introduced to promote Ukrainian solidarity and resistance against Russian military campaigns. Some dates are set to be observed as public holidays after Ukraine defeats the 2022 Russian invasion.

National Public Holidays

The following are national holidays in Ukraine. If the date falls on the weekend (e.g. Saturday or Sunday), the public holiday is observed on the following Monday as an official day off work. Due to martial law in Ukraine, all national holidays have been suspended until further notice.

• New Year’s Day – 1st of January
• Orthodox Christmas – 7th of January
• Women’s Day – 8th of March
• Orthodox Easter (2 days) – Varies each year
• Labour Day – 1st of May
• Victory in Europe Day – 9th of May
• Orthodox Pentecost – Varies each year
• Constitution Day – 28th of June
• Day of Ukrainian Statehood – 28th of July *
• Independence Day – 24th of August
• Defender’s Day – 14th of October
• Catholic Christmas – 25th of December

^{* The Ukrainian government introduced this holiday in response to the invasion by the Russian Federation. Established in 2022, it symbolises the assertion and continuity of Ukrainian statehood and the protection of Ukraine's national interests, culture, history and identity. The date (July 28) symbolises the conversion of the historical Kyivan Rus-Ukraine population to Christianity.}

Other National Observances

• Anniversary of the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine – 24th of February (begins 2023)
• Day of Resistance to Occupation of Crimea and Sevastopol – 26th of February
• Day of Remembrance and Sorrow – 22nd of June
• Liberation from Fascism Day – 28th of October
• Dignity and Freedom Day – 21st of November
• Ukrainian Army Day – 6th of December

Religious Holidays and Observances

The annual dates of religious holidays and observances vary amongst Christian traditions in Ukraine, depending on the calendar used. The majority of Ukrainians celebrate religious events according to the Eastern Orthodox tradition, which uses the Julian calendar for liturgical dates and movable feasts. This calendar is also observed by Ukrainian Greek Catholic Churches (Eastern Catholics) and Ukrainian Lutheran Churches (Eastern Protestant).^{1, 2} Meanwhile, Roman Catholic and Western Protestant Christians follow the Gregorian calendar.

Ukrainian Orthodox Dates

• Epiphany (Christmas Eve) – 6th of January
• Christmas (Rizdvo) – 7th of January
• Orthodox New Year (also known as Old New Year) – 14th of January
• Holy Theophany of Our Lord – 19th of January
• Presentation of the Lord (Candlemas) – 2nd of February
• Lent – 40 days prior to Easter
• Easter (Velykoden) – Varies each year
• Commemoration of the Dead (Provody) – Week after Easter
• Pentecost – 50th day after Easter
• Saints Cyril and Methodius' Day – 24th of May
• Kupala Night (Eastern Slavic Summer Solstice) – 6-7th of July
• Feast of the Transfiguration – 6th of August
• Feast of the Dormition of the Theotokos – typically the 15th of August

Roman Catholic Dates

• Epiphany – 6th of January
• Easter (4 days) – Varies each year
• Kupala Night (Western Slavic Summer Solstice) – 21-22nd or 23-24th of June
• Feast of the Transfiguration – 6th of August
• Feast of the Assumption of Mary – typically on the 15th of August
• Day of St. Nicholas – 6th of December
• Feast of the Immaculate Conception – 8th of December
• Christmas – 25th of December

Orthodox Traditions

Patron Saints

Orthodox Ukrainians may observe days honouring certain popular patron saints and religious figures. Some towns or regions may have unique traditions and festivals to celebrate a local patron saint. Since the Russian invasion, some Ukrainians may wish to observe days honouring patron saints who represent defiance, protection, and resilience (such as Saint Olga of Kyiv). There may also be more emphasis on figures that represent people’s regional homeland, such as the archangel Saint Michael (the patron saint and protector of the capital of Ukraine and the entire country). See Angel’s Days in Naming for more information on personal patron saints.

Old New Year

Old New Year is a holiday on the 13/14th of January that emerged as a result of the change from the Julian (Orthodox Christian) calendar to the Gregorian calendar. It is tradition for Ukrainian families to set a generous table with hearty, filling dishes of food on the night of the 13th, known as ‘the Generous Evening' (Shchedryi Vechir). It is believed that the richer the table, the more prosperous the next year will be.

Traditionally, it is a good omen if the first person to step foot into one’s home the next day (January 14th) is a man. This is believed to bring plentiful harvest, healthy cattle, and harmony to the family over the coming year. Ukrainian children celebrate the holiday by going from door to door and singing Christmas carols in exchange for candies and chocolates. It is also customary to throw buckwheat or grain onto the floor and recite a rhyme wishing good luck and happiness for the upcoming year. One may not clean up the buckwheat grains until the next day, or else they will sweep away the good luck.

Commemoration of the Dead (Provody)

The following weekend after Easter Sunday is a time of remembering the dead and commemorating ancestors. Ukrainians observe it by gathering in church cemeteries and visiting the graves of their relatives. This is a very strong and important tradition in Ukrainian culture. Family members often bring offerings of candy and Easter bread which they leave by the gravestones of deceased loved ones.