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.

Is Victory Day / Memorial Day a Public Holiday?

Victory Day / Memorial Day is a public holiday. It is a day off for the general population, and schools and most businesses are closed.

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.

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.