Navy Day in Ukraine

Many Ukrainians celebrate Navy Day to honor the country’s navy on the last Sunday in July.

What Do People Do?

Navy Day events are held in various cities in Ukraine, particularly in Sevastopol – Ukraine’s second largest port. Thousands of people travel to Sevastopol to watch a range of Navy Day events, including a parade and a show of naval ships. Navy crew are traditionally greeted by the Ukrainian president.

Public Life

Navy Day is an observance and not a national public holiday in Ukraine.

Background

In 2011, Ukrainian president Viktor Yanukovych signed a decree "On the Celebration of Some Memorable Dates and Professional Holidays". The decree included Navy Day, to be observed on the last Sunday in July each year. This observance honors Ukraine’s navy, which aims to defend the country’s interests at sea, in accordance with other military services of the country’s armed forces.

Navy Day Observances