Constitution Day in Ukraine
Constitution Day is a holiday observed in Ukraine on June 28th, as long as that day is a weekday. If the holiday falls on a weekend, then it’s observed on the next available workday. This public holiday commemorates the adoption of Ukraine’s Constitution on June 28, 1996.
Ukraine (National holiday)On this day, celebratory events are held throughout Ukraine, but especially in the capital city of Kyiv. These events include military parades, festivals, speeches by politicians, and other such events. It is also customary to raise and display the Ukrainian flag on this day.
The History Of Constitution Day In Ukraine
After winning the 1994 Ukrainian presidential election, Leonid Kuchma created the Constitutional Commission. This directly led to the creation and adoption of the Ukrainian Constitution in 1996.
On June 28, 1996, the Constitution was adopted by the Verkhovna Rada, the Ukrainian parliament. Since Constitution Day was written into the constitution, this day became a public holiday upon its passage.
Observing Constitution Day In Ukraine
Constitution Day is celebrated in Ukraine with military parades, the raising of the Ukrainian Flag, and a variety of other events held across the country. Because it is a public holiday, schools, government offices, and businesses are closed for the day. There are also fireworks, the singing of the Ukrainian national anthem, and musical events.
Since the early 1990s, “Shche ne vmerla Ukraina” has been the country’s national anthem, and it is not only sung on this day but also broadcast on television. Some of the lyrics for this anthem come from a poem written by Ukrainian poet Pavlo Chubynsky in 1862. These were then combined with music from Ukrainian composer Mykhailo Verbytsky.
In 2003, some slight changes were made to the lyrics of the anthem; otherwise, it has remained as it was intended. The title “Shche ne vmerla Ukraina” means “Ukraine has not yet perished.”
Ukraine (National holiday)
