JEWISH NATIONAL HOLIDAYS AND MEMORABLE DATES
14.03 – Purim
A holiday commemorating the rescue of the Persian Jews from extermination by Haman, a favorite of the Persian king Ahasuerus (Artaxerxes), in the 5th century BC. On this day, the scroll of Esther (a biblical book) is read with emotional exclamations when mentioning her enemies.
This holiday is celebrated with fun and colorful Purim games (carnivals or theatrical performances). Among the many treats, a traditional holiday dish stands out – triangular cookies gomentashi, or “Aman's ears”.
13–20.04 – Passover
A holiday commemorating the Exodus of the Jewish people from Egypt and their liberation from slavery. It begins on Nisan 14 and is celebrated for seven days in Israel and eight days abroad. The first and last two days of the holiday are weekends.
After sunset on Nisan 14, the whole family gathers for a festive dinner (seder). Poor acquaintances and those who, for some reason, cannot spend the holiday with their relatives are also invited. Matzo and special dishes prepared for Passover are necessarily served on the table.
24.04 – Holocaust Remembrance and Heroism Day (Yom HaShoah)
The Day of Remembrance and Mourning in Israel and abroad was established by the Knesset on Nisan 27 of the Jewish calendar in 1951. It is the 6th day after the end of Passover and a week before Yom HaZikaron (Day of Remembrance for those who fell in Israel's wars and victims of terror) and Israel's Independence Day. The proximity of these dates symbolizes the path of the Jewish people to the revival of the state. On this day, the world remembers the 6 million Jews who became victims of Nazism in World War II. It is celebrated every year by lighting six candles in synagogues and sounding sirens, during which all of Israel falls silent. In the State of Israel, it is a National Day of Mourning. The official ceremony takes place at the Yad Vashem, The World Holocaust Remembrance Center in Jerusalem.
30.04 – Memorial Day for those who fell in Israel's wars and victims of terror (Yom HaZikaron)
Israeli National Day of Mourning. This day honors the memory of soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) who died in wars, police officers, representatives of other security services, as well as victims of terrorist attacks. Remembrance Day is celebrated on the 4th of Iyar according to the Jewish calendar. On this day, nationwide events are held with the participation of representatives of the government and the army. A siren sounds throughout Israel and a minute of silence is observed.
01.05 – Independence Day of the State of Israel (Yom HaAtzmaut)
Israel's main national holiday is celebrated annually in memory of the declaration of independence of the State of Israel on May 14, 1948. On this day, the Declaration of Independence of Israel was signed. The holiday is celebrated on the 5th of Iyar according to the Jewish calendar with folk festivities and fireworks.
16.05 – Lag Baomer
The Jewish holiday commemorates the death of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, a prominent figure in the history of Judaism (Rashbi, died around 160 CE), who commanded that he be commemorated with revelry. It is celebrated on the 33rd day of the Omer (18 Iyar).
In the evening after sunset, it is customary to light a bonfire in honor of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, dance and sing songs. Many believers travel at night to Rabbi Shimon's grave on Mount Meron.
26.05 – Jerusalem Day (Yom Yerushaláyim)
The holiday commemorates Israel's capture of eastern Jerusalem after the 1967 Six-Day War. During the Battle of the Old City, Jews regained control of the holy sites of the Temple Mount for the first time in 2,000 years. The day, Iyar 28 in the Jewish calendar, symbolizes the Jewish people's historical connection to Jerusalem. It is celebrated with ceremonies at the Western Wall.
02–03.06 – Shavuot
On this day, according to sacred traditions, Moses received the 10 commandments from the Most High on Mount Sinai after the Exodus of the Jews from Egypt. In the synagogue, the Torah scroll is read and the story of how the commandments were given and the covenant between G-d and the Jewish people is concluded.
On the first night of the holiday, it is customary to stay awake and study the Torah all night. There is a custom to decorate the house and synagogue with greenery, flowers, and tree branches, which remind us of the greenery that grew around Mount Sinai.
03.08 – Fast of the Ninth of Av (Tisha B'Av)
National Day of Mourning of the Jewish People – the day when the First (586 BC) and Second (70 AD) Temples of Jerusalem were destroyed, the expulsion of Jews from England (1290), France (1306), Spain (1492) and other tragic events in the life of the Jewish people took place.
The customs of this day require strict observance of fasting, it is forbidden to wear leather clothes, work, or study the Torah, because it is a source of joy.
23–24.09 – Rosh Hashanah
The Jewish New Year, celebrated for two consecutive days in the autumn month of Tishrei on the Jewish calendar. This holiday is called the Day of “Holy Assembly,” when one should not work and make sacrifices. A characteristic feature of the celebration is the blowing of the shofar during the synagogue service – a musical instrument made from the horn of a kosher animal. The sounds of the shofar are interpreted as a call to repentance. During the festive meal, it is customary to greet each other with wishes to be inscribed in the “Book of Life.”
02.10 – Yom Kippur
A day of fasting, repentance, and forgiveness of sins. Celebrated on the 10th day of the Jewish month of Tishrei, concluding 10 days of repentance. According to the Talmud, on this day G-d renders his verdict, evaluating a person's actions and life for the entire past year. Traditionally, on this day, Jews abstain from food for 25 hours, spending time in intensified prayers.
07–13.10 – Sukkot, Feast of Booths (Tabernacles)
It begins on the 15th of Tishrei according to the Jewish calendar and lasts 7 days. During the first two days of the holiday, work is strictly prohibited. At this time, according to tradition, meals are eaten (and in good weather, overnight stays) outside the home, in a tent in memory of the wanderings of the Jews in the Sinai Desert during the Exodus from Egypt. Traditional dishes on Sukkot are challah (bread), honey, and wine. Symbols of the holiday are also the lulav (date palm branch) and the etrog (citrus fruit). Every day during the holiday, men, holding the lulav and etrog, recite blessings.
14.10 – Shemini Atzeret
The eighth, final day of the Jewish holiday of Sukkot. This day was established by the teachers of the Law of the Jewish people as a separate holiday, on which the commandments of Sukkot – sitting in a tent and raising the lulav – are no longer observed. Work is strictly prohibited.
15.10 – Simchat Torah
The Torah Dedication Festival in Israel coincides with Shemini Atzeret, in the Diaspora countries it is the day after Shemini Atzeret. On this day, the annual cycle of Torah reading ends and a new one immediately begins.
On this day, a solemn procession with Torah scrolls (akafot) is held in the synagogue, accompanied by festive dances and songs.
15.12–22.12 – Hanukkah
The holiday was established to honor the victory of the Maccabees (Hasmonaeans), Jewish rebels and defenders of the faith, in the war against the Hellenistic Seleucid Empire for national independence (2nd century BC). The victory resulted in the consecration of the altar and the restoration of the Temple service. The holiday lasts eight days, during which candles are traditionally lit in the Hanukkah (a nine-candlestick).
During Hanukkah, family meals are arranged. The table must include traditional dishes fried in oil, primarily donuts (sufganiyot).
* According to Jewish religious tradition, holidays begin on the evening of the previous day
MEMORABLE DATES
22.01 – Ukrainian Unity Day
A holiday established, «… considering the great political and historical significance of the unification of the Ukrainian People's Republic and the Western Ukrainian People's Republic for the formation of a single (conciliar) Ukrainian state …», by the Decree of the President of Ukraine “On the Ukrainian Unity Day” No. 42/99 dated January 21, 1999, the Act of Union of the UNR and the ZUNR was proclaimed on January 22, 1919 on Sophia Square in Kyiv.
This day also commemorates the proclamation of the independence of the Ukrainian People's Republic by the Fourth Universal of the Ukrainian Central Rada of January 22, 1918.
27.01 – International Holocaust Remembrance Day
A memorable date established by the decision of the United Nations General Assembly in 2005. It is commemorated annually on the day of the liberation of the Nazi death camp Auschwitz-Birkenau (Oswiecim, Poland) by the troops of the 1st Ukrainian Front in 1945. It was in this camp that the Nazis killed about 1 million Jews, as well as Poles, Roma, Ukrainians, and Soviet prisoners of war. Ukraine has been celebrating this day at the state level since 2012, in accordance with the Resolution of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine No. 3560-VI of July 5, 2011 “On the 70th Anniversary of the Babyn Yar Tragedy”.
29.01 – Day of Remembrance of the Heroes of Kruty
The Battle of Kruty (now Chernihiv Oblast) took place on January 29, 1918, during the Bolshevik intervention in Ukraine. The aggressor was opposed by military formations of the Ukrainian People's Republic. A significant part of its defenders were volunteers – students at the Ukrainian People's University, Kyiv University, and high school students. While retreating, part of the student company was surrounded, lost its bearings, and reached the Kruty station, which was already occupied by the Bolsheviks. 27 captured young men were shot. The youngest of the fallen was only 16 years old.
This battle became for the Ukrainian people a symbol of heroism and self-sacrifice of the young generation in the struggle for independence. Thanks to the victory and courage of the Ukrainian soldiers, the Bolsheviks' hostile attack on Kyiv was stopped.
20.02 – Day of Heavenly Hundred Heroes
It is commemorated annually in accordance with the Decree of the President of Ukraine No. 69/2015 of February 11, 2015. The “Heavenly Hundred” is the name given to 104 protesters who died during the Revolution of Dignity in November 2013 – February 2014. The peak of the confrontation between the Ukrainian people and the then regime fell precisely on February 20.
The date was set to support community initiatives and “in order to perpetuate the great human, civic and national courage and selflessness, the strength of spirit and resilience of citizens, thanks to which the course of the history of our state was changed, to honor the feat of the Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred, who gave their lives during the Revolution of Dignity (November 2013 – February 2014), defending the ideals of democracy, upholding human rights and freedoms, and the European future of Ukraine.”
26.02 – Day of Resistance to Occupation of Crimea and Sevastopol
The memorable date was established in accordance with the Decree of the President of Ukraine dated February 26, 2020, to honor the courage and heroism of Ukrainian citizens living in the temporarily occupied territory of Crimea in defending the territorial integrity of Ukraine. It was on February 26, 2014, after the annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation, that Crimean Tatars organized a rally in support of the territorial integrity of Ukraine in the Simferopol city.
14.03 – Ukrainian Volunteer Day
The commemorative date was established by the Resolution of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine No. 1822-VII, dated January 17, 2017, to honor the courage and heroism of the defenders of the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, to promote the further strengthening of the patriotic spirit in society, to increase public attention and care for participants in volunteer formations, and to support public initiatives.
On March 14, 2014, 500 fighters of the Maidan Self-Defense Forces set off from Independence Square to the training base of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine in Novy Petrivtsi (Kyiv region). They formed the first volunteer battalion to defend Ukraine from Russian hybrid aggression in the East of the country.
In 2014–2015, almost 40 volunteer battalions participated in the Russian-Ukrainian war. Most of them were later transformed into military units of the National Guard of Ukraine and the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
24.04 – Remembrance Day of the Armenian Genocide in the Ottoman Empire Victims
The Armenian Genocide was the deliberate, targeted physical extermination of the Armenian people that occurred in the Ottoman Empire and the Republic of Turkey from 1915 to 1923. On April 24, 1915, the Turkish authorities arrested more than 5,500 Armenians, including 235 representatives of the Armenian elite. Most of them were killed. The genocide killed about 1,5 million Armenians.
The actions of the authorities of the Ottoman Empire (Turkish Republic) against the Armenian people have been recognized as genocide at the legislative level by many countries of the world (including Belgium, the Vatican, Germany, Poland, Portugal, the USA, France, Sweden, etc.), the European Parliament, UN Commissions, the International Association of Genocide Researchers, and some others.
In Ukraine, the Armenian genocide in the Ottoman Empire is recognized at the regional level.
26.04 – International Day of Remembrance of the Chernobyl Disaster and International Remembrance Day of Radiation Accidents and Disasters Victims
Established by a resolution of the UN General Assembly on December 8, 2016. In establishing this memorable date, the General Assembly noted that “The serious long-term consequences of the Chernobyl disaster (April 26, 1986) are still being felt, thirty years later, and the needs of the affected local communities and territories continue to exist,” and invited “all Member States, relevant agencies of the United Nations system and other international organizations, as well as representatives of civil society, to commemorate this day.” This event is a reminder of the dangers of using nuclear energy, the heroism of the accident liquidators, and the consequences that this disaster brought to the environment and people.
08.05 – Day of Remembrance and Victory over Nazism in World War II
By the resolution of the UN General Assembly of November 22, 2004, this day was declared the Day of Remembrance and Reconciliation, dedicated to the victims of World War II. In Ukraine, it has been celebrated since 2015 to honor the feat of the Ukrainian people, their significant contribution to the victory of the Anti-Hitler Coalition in World War II, to express respect to all fighters against Nazism, and to perpetuate the memory of fallen soldiers, victims of war, war crimes, deportations, and crimes against humanity. According to the Law of Ukraine No. 9278 of May 29, 2023, this day is a holiday – the Day of Remembrance and Victory over Nazism in World War II and an official day off.
11.05 – Mother's Day
Celebrated annually on the second Sunday of May in accordance with the Decree of the President of Ukraine “On Mother's Day” No. 489/99 dated May 10, 1999.
The history of honoring mothers as givers of life and guardians of the family hearth dates to ancient times. In early modern Europe, particularly in Great Britain in the 17th century, the holiday was originally called “Mother’s Sunday” and involved visiting the mother’s home on the fourth Sunday of each month. In 1914, the US Congress recognized Mother’s Day, which fell on the second Sunday of May, as an official date. Today, Mother’s Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of May in almost 80 countries around the world. Despite differences in dates, the holiday itself is part of the national calendars of most countries around the world.
14.05 – Day of Remembrance of Ukrainians Who Rescued Jews During World War II
The commemorative date was established in accordance with the Resolution of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine No. 1178-IХ dated February 2, 2021 “On Honoring the Memory of Ukrainians Who Rescued Jews During World War II”, as a sign of respect for the Ukrainian Righteous Among the Nations and other rescuers of Jews who, “risking their lives and the lives of their families, they helped Jews escape the terror of the Nazis during the Holocaust”. In the occupied territory of Ukraine, helping Jews was much more dangerous than in the countries of Western Europe occupied by Nazi Germany. The Nazis punished not only the person who helped, but also their entire family.
Ukraine ranks fourth in the world (after Poland, the Netherlands, and France) in terms of the number of Righteous Among the Nations (2,691 people as of January 1, 2022).
18.05 – The Day of Remembrance of Political Repression Victims
Established by Decree of the President of Ukraine No. 431/2007 dated May 21, 2007, with the aim of “due commemoration of the victims of political repression, drawing public attention to the tragic events in the history of Ukraine caused by the violent introduction of communist ideology, reviving national memory, and affirming intolerance for any manifestations of violence against humanity.” The terror was purposeful, organized and affected almost all segments of the Ukrainian nation – the intellectuals, the military, politicians, peasants, church figures, culture and art.
During the Great Terror of 1937–1938, historians estimate that the communist regime sentenced almost 200,000 people to the maximum penalty of execution, the death penalty, in the territory of the Ukrainian SSR. The rest were sent to prisons and camps.
18.05 – The Day of Remembrance of the Crimean Tatar People Genocide Victims
It is celebrated on the anniversary of the deportation of the Crimean Tatars in 1944, because of which 180,014 people were evicted from the Crimean Peninsula. Most of the deportees were sent to special settlements in Uzbekistan, some to Gulag camps. During the year alone, more than 30,000 Crimean Tatars died from hunger, disease and exhaustion, according to minimal estimates. In 2015, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine recognized the actions of the Soviet authorities against the Crimean Tatars as genocide of the Crimean Tatar people.
15.06 – Father's Day
Established by Decree of the President of Ukraine No. 274/2019 dated May 18, 2019, in order to create favorable conditions for strengthening the institution of the family as the foundation of society and recognizing at the state level the role of the father in raising children. There are several versions of the origin of this holiday, according to which it was first celebrated in Germany (1900) and in the USA (1910). However, at the national level, it was first celebrated in the USA in 1966. Since then, Father's Day has begun to appear in the state calendars of other countries of the world. In most of them, including Ukraine, this day is celebrated on the third Sunday of June.
28.06 – Constitution Day
The public holiday is celebrated in honor of the adoption of the Constitution of Ukraine by the Verkhovna Rada in June 1996. The Basic Law consolidated the legal basis of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. Its adoption was an important step in ensuring the rights of the country's citizens and contributed to the further increase of Ukraine's authority in the world.
15.07 – Day of Ukrainian Statehood
The public holiday was established by Decree of the President of Ukraine No. 423/2021 of August 24, 2021. This memorable date is intended to remind us that Ukrainian statehood has a tradition of over a thousand years, and its origins are in the medieval Rus' state, the center of which was Kyiv. Ukrainian Statehood Day is celebrated on the same day when Ukrainian Christian churches commemorate the memory of Prince Volodymyr the Great of Kyiv and the Day of the Baptism of Rus'–Ukraine.
02.08 – International Day of Remembrance of the Roma Nazi Genocide
During World War II, the Nazis and their supporters exterminated over 90 % of the Roma population of Austria, Estonia, and Germany. As a result of the punitive actions of the German occupation authorities in Ukraine, about 20,000 Roma were exterminated. On the night of August 2–3, 1944, almost 3,000 Roma were killed in the gas chambers of the Nazi death camp Auschwitz-Birkenau. In total, out of 23,000 Roma deported from 14 European countries, more than 20,000 people died in the camp. According to various estimates, up to 500,000 people, or more than 25 % of the pre-war Roma population of Europe, became victims of the Roma genocide during World War II.
In Ukraine, the day of remembrance has been celebrated since 2004 in accordance with the Resolution of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine No. 2085-IV “On the Celebration of the International Day of the Roma Genocide.”
23.08 – European Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Stalinism and Nazism
It is celebrated in the countries of the European Union annually on the day of the signing of the Soviet-German non-Aggression Pact (Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact) in 1939. This document recorded the conspiracy between the two totalitarian regimes and opened the way to the outbreak of World War II. In a secret protocol to this treaty, the USSR and Nazi Germany divided spheres of influence in Europe. Their agreements provided for the liquidation of several countries – Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia. A week after the conclusion of the Pact, on September 1, 1939, Nazi Germany violated the state border of Poland, starting World War II.
24.08 – Independence Day of Ukraine
The main national holiday of Ukraine is celebrated annually in memory of the adoption of the Act of Proclamation of Independence of Ukraine by an extraordinary session of the Verkhovna Rada of the Ukrainian SSR on August 24, 1991. This day honors the exploits of Ukrainians who fought for the establishment of Ukraine's independence until 1991, as well as the Heroes of the modern Russian-Ukrainian war.
29.08 – Memorial Day of defenders of Ukraine who died in the struggle for independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity
Established in 2019 to honor the memory of servicemen and members of volunteer formations who died in the struggle for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and to perpetuate their heroism. The memorable date is a reminder of the bloody event of the military confrontation in eastern Ukraine – the Ilovaisk tragedy. On August 29, 2014, during the withdrawal of ATO forces from the encirclement near Ilovaisk (Donetsk region), the Russian leadership violated the agreements, and enemy armed forces shot columns of Ukrainian soldiers at close range. According to official data, 366 soldiers were killed, 429 were wounded, 158 went missing, and 300 were captured.
29.09 – The Day of Remembrance of the Babyn Yar Victims
This day commemorates the tragedy of Babyn Yar, a symbol of the Holocaust in Ukraine. On September 29 and 30, 1941, the Nazi Sonderkommando 4a of Einsatzgruppe C shot 33,771 Jews in the Babyn Yar tract, almost destroying the Jewish community of Kyiv. During the Nazi occupation, more than 100,000 people were shot in Babyn Yar: Jews, Roma, the mentally ill, Soviet prisoners of war, Ukrainian nationalists, and clergy.
01.10 – Ukraine Defender Day
The holiday “Ukraine Defender Day” was established by Decree of the President of Ukraine No. 806/2014 of October 14, 2014 “in order to honor the courage and heroism of the defenders of the independence and territorial integrity of Ukraine, the military traditions and victories of the Ukrainian people.” The celebration of this day coincides with one of the greatest Christian holidays – the Protection of the Most Holy Theotokos, traditionally revered by the Ukrainian military. In July 2021, by bill No. 2325, the “Ukraine Defender Day” was renamed “Defenders' Day”. Due to the reform of the church calendar (transition to the New Julian calendar), in Ukraine from 2023 the holiday was moved from October 14 to October 1.
13.10 – The Day of Remembrance of the Victims Shooting in the Dnipropetrovsk Botanical Garden
On October 13–14, 1941, a large-scale Nazi campaign to exterminate the Jewish population of Dnipropetrovsk (now Dnipro) took place, because of which from 11 to 13 thousand people were shot. Gathered near the Lux department store (now the Central Department Store building), columns of people headed down Karl Liebknecht Street (now Mykhailo Hrushevsky Street) to the beam located on the territory of the city's Botanical Garden. The shootings lasted for two days with a break for the night. Only a few people managed to escape death. During the occupation of the city (August 1941 – October 1943), the Nazis and their accomplices took the lives of about 20,000 Jewish residents of Dnipropetrovsk.
25.10 – The Day of the expulsion of Nazi troops from Dnipropetrovsk
On October 25, 1943, the troops of the 3rd Ukrainian Front of the Red Army drove German units out of the city. Thus ended the 791-day period of Nazi occupation, during which no less than 35,000 civilians were killed in the territory of Dnipropetrovsk (now Dnipro) alone. The exact number of prisoners of war, as well as those civilians who died from lack of food and proper medical care, is still unknown.
28.10 – The Day of Liberation of Ukraine from the Nazi Invaders
It is celebrated annually on the day of the expulsion of the troops of Nazi Germany and its allies during World War II from the borders of modern Ukraine. On October 27, 1944, Uzhhorod was liberated, and on October 28, Soviet troops reached the outskirts of the city of Chop in Transcarpathia – the modern western border of Ukraine.
21.11 – Dignity and Freedom Day
On this day, two fateful events for modern Ukraine began: the Orange Revolution of 2004 and the Revolution of Dignity of 2013–2014. The Orange Revolution began as a protest massive brutal fraud after voting and counting of votes during the 2004 presidential elections. The mass protests of 2013 began after the refusal of the then government to sign the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the European Union.
The celebration of the Day of Dignity and Freedom was established by Decree of the President of Ukraine No. 872/2014 dated November 13, 2014. The celebration of this date contributes to the establishment in Ukraine of the ideals of freedom, democracy, human rights, national interests of the state and its European choice.
22.11 – Holodomor Memorial Day
It is commemorated annually on the fourth Saturday of November. According to various estimates, the victims of the Holodomor of 1932–1933, artificially created by the communist authorities, were from 3 to 7 million Ukrainians, as well as Bulgarians, Jews, Germans, Poles and representatives of other ethnic groups who lived in national areas on the territory of Ukrainian Socialist Soviet Republic.
In 2006, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine officially recognized the Holodomor of 1932–1933 as genocide of the Ukrainian people. Also, many countries of the world recognized such actions of the Soviet authorities as genocide, both at the state (Australia, Vatican, Georgia, Estonia, Canada, Lithuania, Moldova, Germany, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Hungary, etc.) and regional levels (Argentina, Brazil, Spain, Italy, USA, etc.). On December 15, 2022, the European Parliament adopted a corresponding resolution recognizing the Holodomor, caused by the Soviet regime in Ukraine in 1932–1933, as genocide.
In 2022–2024, during the full-scale invasion of the Russian Federation into Ukraine, 19 countries of the world (including Great Britain, Germany, France, Switzerland, etc.) recognized that in 1932–1933 the Soviet Union committed genocide against the Ukrainian nation.
06.12 – Ukrainian Army Day
The Armed Forces of Ukraine Day, established by the Resolution of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine No. 3528-ХІІ of October 19, 1993, is dedicated to the day of the adoption by the Verkhovna Rada of the Law “On the Armed Forces of Ukraine” (No. 1934-ХІІ of December 6, 1991). The holiday also coincides with the beginning of the First Winter Campaign of the UPR Army in 1919.
This day honors servicemen of all branches of the Armed Forces of Ukraine: Land Forces, Naval Forces, Special Operations Forces, Airborne Assault Forces, Territorial Defense Forces, Signal and Cybersecurity Forces, Medical Forces, and Logistics Forces. During the years of armed Russian aggression, the holiday took on special significance for the entire Ukrainian people.
09.12 – International Remembrance Day of the Genocide Crime Victims
In September 2015, the UN General Assembly decided to proclaim this day as the International Day of Commemoration of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide, to Honor Their Human Dignity and to Prevent This Crime in the Future. It was on December 9, 1948, that the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide was adopted, which became one of the first international human rights instruments.
CHRISTIAN HOLIDAYS
20.04 – Easter
The main Christian holiday, established in honor of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. It marks the transition from death to life, the forgiveness of sins and the receipt of G-d's grace, goodness and love. A certain preparation for the holiday is the observance by believers of the seven weeks of Great Lent (this is how long Christ spent in the desert). It is a transitional holiday (each year the date is calculated according to the lunisolar calendar) and falls on different days due to the use of one or another calendar by Christian denominations (Julian, New Julian, Gregorian). Christians attach special importance to the days preceding Easter. During this week, they bake Easter cakes and paint eggs, and observe the strictest fast. From Saturday evening, Easter services are held in temples and churches, and after midnight – a solemn service (Easter Matins). Easter cakes and Easter eggs, meat products must be consecrated before sunrise. After the service, the family gathers at the same table. They begin the meal with consecrated foods, usually Easter cakes and Easter eggs. After the meal, it is customary to visit relatives and exchange Easter treats – to be baptized.
In 2025, Christians of Eastern and Western Rites will celebrate the Resurrection of Christ on the same day – April 20.
08.06 – Trinity
One of the main Christian holidays, symbolizing the appearance (descent) of the Almighty before people in all three hypostases in the image of the Holy Trinity: G-d the Father, G-d the Son and G-d the Holy Spirit. The holiday of the Trinity also means the completion of the earthly deeds of the Almighty, which were necessary to save humanity from sin, and is also interpreted as a holiday of life. The date is transitional and is associated with Easter (celebrated on the 50th day after it). On this day, Orthodox churches hold services and read prayers. Believers visit church to light candles and pray for the health of their relatives and friends, as well as to ask G-d to fulfill their most secret desires. Temples and homes are decorated with greenery on the Trinity – fresh flowers and branches of young trees are placed on the floor, icons, windows and front doors are decorated with flowers. Believers bring with them branches of trees or medicinal plants; it is believed that if they are consecrated and placed at home, ailments and diseases will bypass the family.
In 2025, both Orthodox and Catholics will celebrate Easter on April 20, and Trinity on June 8.
25.12 – Christmas
One of the main holidays celebrated by all Christian denominations, as well as several countries and organizations in the world in honor of the birthday of Jesus Christ, the son of G-d. The holiday ends the Christmas fast. On the eve of the holiday (Holy Evening), a solemn liturgy (Holy service) is held in churches. After the service, parishioners gather as a family for the Holy Supper, a characteristic feature of which is the consumption of 12 dishes (by analogy with the 12 apostles, followers of Jesus Christ). The main one among them is “rich kutya”, which is seasoned with honey, nuts, poppy seeds, etc. are added. Dinner begins when the first star is visible in the sky. On Christmas morning, a special greeting is given “Christ is born!”, to which they respond, “Glory to him!”. On this day, it is customary to go to church for a festive prayer, visit relatives, and sing carols.
Traditionally, in Ukraine, the holiday of Christmas was celebrated on two dates – December 25 and January 7. This is explained using several religious calendars by believers of different Christian denominations (Gregorian, Julian and New Julian). For most Christians in Ukraine, the holiday of Christmas falls on December 25, as well as for believers in most countries of Europe, Africa, as well as Australia, India, South and North America.
MUSLIM HOLIDAYS*
31.03 – Eid al-Fitr
A holiday of breaking the fast, preceded by a 30-day fast in the month of Ramadan. According to tradition, it was at this time that Mecca was conquered by the Prophet Mohammed and the Quran was given to Muslims. On the day of Uraza-Bayram, all prohibitions of strict fasting are lifted and generous treats are placed on the table. After the morning collective prayer, the family gathers at a large table with festive dishes. Most of the meals consist of meat products and pastries, which are prepared in advance. Some of the dishes must be given to relatives. A special tradition is special alms on the last day of fasting, which communities give to the neediest people. Before the holiday, Muslims put their homes in order, perform a full body ablution and put on their best clothes. It is customary to visit relatives and friends, as well as visit the graves of the deceased. For Muslims, this is a day of fun and celebration of life, given by the Almighty. Believers greet each other by saying “Eid mubarak!” (“I wish you a blessed holiday!”). On the day of Uraza-Bayram, one should not do housework, quarrel and wish bad things to others.
07–10.06 – Eid al-Adha
The “Feast of Sacrifice” marks the end of the pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj), lasting three to four days, depending on local customs. The ritual of the holiday includes a special prayer, during which each Muslim is required to sacrifice a sheep, cow, or camel in memory of how the prophet Abraham (Ibrahim in Islamic tradition) wanted to fulfill the command of G-d and sacrifice his only son Isaac (Ishmael). G-d, seeing Abraham’s devotion, sent an archangel with a sacrificial lamb and saved his son.
Preparations for Eid al-Adha begin 20 days in advance. Believers do not wear elaborate clothing, cut their hair, or shave. They do not serve elaborate or hearty meals. The last 10 days before the holiday are very important. Muslims try to atone for sins, do good deeds, and pray. The holiday begins early in the morning. After ablution and dressing in festive attire, people go to the mosque for a festive prayer. In the afternoon, they gather in the square for a sermon, and then visit the graves of deceased relatives. The sacrifice takes place after noon. In the evening, a festive meal is organized, which is divided into three parts: one is distributed to the needy, the second is kept for themselves, and the third is given to friends. The exchange of dishes makes the festive table more diverse and is accompanied by the words “Takabbal Allahu Minna wa minkum” (“May Allah take from you and from us”).
* According to Muslim religious tradition, the holidays begin on the evening of the previous day