The 27th Independence Day of Ukraine, a state holiday celebrated on Aug. 24, is an opportunity to enjoy a long weekend to its fullest. For those who have decided to spend the holiday in the capital, the Kyiv Post has picked out some of the choicest spots to celebrate Ukraine’s birthday.
Vyshyvanka Run
The Vyshyvanka Run is an opportunity for those who want to combine their morning run with a charity event. Participants are encouraged to wear vyshyvankas, the traditional Ukrainian embroidered shirt. The race starts at 9 a. m. at Rusanivska Embankment in Kyiv; runners can choose distances from 100 meters to 10 kilometers.
Vyshyvanka Run (Rusanivska Embankment). Aug. 24. 9 a. m. Hr 300–400. +38050 931 5834
Spivoche Pole
For its new flower exhibition “Charming Ukrainian Myth,” Pechersk Spivoche Pole Landscape Park has combined the beauty of nature with Ukrainian folklore. Dedicated to Ukraine’s Independence Day, the flower compositions will depict the legendary heroes of Ukrainian myths. Visitors will be able to see puppet-shows, watch movies themed on Ukrainian folklore, and take part in a number of workshops and fairs.
The exhibition takes place at 9 a. m. — 9 p. m., through Sept. 16. The entrance fee is Hr 25–50. Entry is free for children under 7, people with disabilities, retirees and war veterans.
Spivoche Pole (25 Lavrska St.) Aug. 17 — Sept. 16. 9 a. m. — 9 p. m. Hr 25–50. +38093 586 4771
Defense Minister Stepan Poltorak at the military parade on Independence Day of Ukraine on Aug. 24, 2017. (Oleg Petrasiuk)
Military Parade
This year the military parade will feature 24 sections, representing the Ukrainian Armed forces, the State Border Service, the National Guard and Security Service of Ukraine. About 4,500 serviceman and servicewomen will represent the security forces, alongside 250 units of military equipment.
The parade will be held on the morning of Aug. 24,assing along Khreschatyk Street and proceeding to Independence Square, or Maidan Nezalezhnosti.
Flower-laying ceremonies will be held at several monuments in the capital, including the monument to Mykhailo Hrushevskyi, the first president of Ukraine, and the monument to Ukraine’s national poet Taras Shevchenko. A separate ceremony will be held at the monument to the Heavenly Hundred, located on 2 Heroiv Nebesnoi Sotni Ln. in Kyiv, to commemorate the Euromaidan protesters killed by the security forces of Ukraine’s runaway former President Viktor Yanukovych.
Military Parade. (Khreshchatyk Street, Maidan Nezalezhnosti). Aug. 24. 10 a. m.
Kyiv Yacht Race
Fans of yachting and sailing can enjoy the Kyiv Yacht Race, dedicated to Ukraine’s Independence Day. The race will start at 9:30 a. m. from the Kyiv River Port. The distance of the race is from Hávanskyi to the Pedestrian Bridge. This race is not only for professional sailors, but also for amateurs.
Kyiv Yacht Race. Kyiv River Port (3 Poshtova Square). Aug.24. 9:30 a. m. — 4 p. m. +38044 289 5073
Kyivan Rus Park
Located some 35 kilometers south of Kyiv, the Kyivan Rus theme park welcomes everyone to celebrate the Independence Day of Ukraine on Aug. 24. Kyivan Rus Park will recreate old Ukrainian culture by depicting its historic architecture and customs.
The celebration will feature various activities, including horseback-riding, sword fighting, archery and a number of thematic workshops. Visitors will also have the opportunity to sample traditional Ukrainian cuisine and drinks.
Park Kyivan Rus (Kopachiv village). Aug. 24–26. 10 a. m. — 10 p. m. Hr 50–150. +38044 461 9937
Okean Elzy will perform at the Olympic Stadium in Kyiv on Aug. 24. (Facebook/Okean Elzy)
Dream Map
Ukrainians are offered to take part in a street festival and create “The biggest map of Ukraine’s family dream”. Participants are encouraged to create collages depicting their dreams, and unite them into one large map. The organizers hope the result will earn a place in the Book of National Records of Ukraine. The festival is free; no pre-registration is needed.
Dream Map. (Khreshchatyk Street). Aug. 24. 1–4 p. m. Free. +38044 599 1950
United People
Fans of traditional Ukrainian folk music will have a chance to celebrate the Independence Day of Ukraine together with the musical group United People. The quintet will perform ethnic Ukrainian songs in the Neo A Capella music genre, in which each member of the group imitates a musical instrument with their voice.
United People — Magic of Ethno Songs. Caribbean Club (4 Symona Petliury St.) 7 p. m. Hr 150–650. +38067 224 4111
Okean Elzy
The well-known band Okean Elzy will wish Ukraine a happy 27th birthday with a music show on Aug. 24. The performance comes almost a year after their last show on Sept. 15 in Poltava, a city some 340 kilometers east of Kyiv. This year the band will celebrate the Independence Day of Ukraine at Olympic Stadium in Kyiv, performing their top rock hits.
Okean Elzy. Olympic Stadium (55 Velyka Vasylkivska St.) Aug. 24. 8 p. m. Hr 550–3,500. +38044 590 6774
