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Ukrainian Unity Day 2024 in Ukraine

Ukraine’s Unity Day marks the anniversary of the unification of eastern and western Ukraine in 1919. It is celebrated on January 22 every year.

Is Ukrainian Unity Day a Public Holiday?

Even though Ukrainian Unity Day falls on Saturday, January 22, 2011, it is a working day. Most businesses follow regular opening hours in Ukraine.

Concerts are part of the Unity Day celebrations in Ukraine.

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What Do People Do?

Unity Day activities include:

  • People carrying national flags creating a human chain across bridges to symbolize national unity.
  • Concerts to celebrate Unity Day.
  • Political protests or demonstrations.

Some people lay flowers on or near monuments dedicated to famous Ukrainian political activists who fought for the country’s unity and independence.

Public Life

Unity Day is an observance and not an official public holiday in Ukraine.

Background

The story behind Unity Day dates back to January 22, 1919, when eastern and western Ukraine was united through the “Treaty of Unity”. Historically, up until 1919, these halves – Ukraine's People Republic and West Ukrainian People Republic – often belonged to different empires.

Symbols

Many Ukrainians show their country’s flag to celebrate Unity Day. It is a banner of 2 equally sized horizontal bands of blue and yellow.

Ukrainian Unity Day Observances

Holiday currently only shown for years 2011–2014.

YearWeekdayDateNameHoliday Type
2011SatJan 22Ukrainian Unity DayObservance
2012SunJan 22Ukrainian Unity DayObservance
2013TueJan 22Ukrainian Unity DayObservance
2014WedJan 22Ukrainian Unity DayObservance

While we diligently research and update our holiday dates, some of the information in the table above may be preliminary. If you find an error, please let us know.