Victory Day / Memorial Day in Ukraine

Victory Day is a national holiday in Ukraine on May 9. It is a day to remember victory over the Nazi regime during World War II.

A girl lays flowers near the tomb of unknown soldier during celebration of Victory Day in Kiev, Ukraine.

©iStockphoto.com/woodbe

What do people do?

Victory Day in Ukraine is an eventful public holiday often consisting of:

• Official greetings to war veterans.
• A public display of Ukraine’s armed forces.
• Presidential speeches.
• Concerts featuring Ukrainian pop stars singing popular wartime songs.
• Evening firework displays.

Victory Day also includes a moment of silence to honor war victims, as well as people laying flowers at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Kiev (Kyiv).

Public life

Victory Day is a national public holiday in Ukraine so many businesses, as well as government offices and educational institutions, are closed.

Background

Victory Day in Ukraine is a time to commemorate the triumph of the former Soviet Union (which Ukraine was once a part of) over the Nazi rule during World War II. Many soldiers sacrificed their lives for this victory and are remembered on this day.

Victory Day / Memorial Day Observances

Other holidays in May 2013 in Ukraine

• Labor Day ―Wednesday, May 1, 2013
• Labor Day Holiday ―Thursday, May 2, 2013
• Orthodox Easter Day ―Sunday, May 5, 2013
• Orthodox Easter Day holiday ―Monday, May 6, 2013
• Mother's Day ―Sunday, May 12, 2013
• Europe Day ―Saturday, May 18, 2013
• Kiev Day ―Sunday, May 26, 2013
• Cultural Workers and Folk Artists Day ―Sunday, May 26, 2013