Ukraine Independence Day, celebrated each year on August 24, marks a historic turning point—the day in 1991 when Ukraine declared its independence from the Soviet Union. More than a national holiday, it’s a celebration of resilience, cultural identity, and the enduring spirit of a people who have chosen freedom, time and again.
On August 24, 1991, Ukraine’s parliament—the Verkhovna Rada—adopted the Act of Declaration of Independence, effectively ending Soviet control over Ukrainian territory. This decision was later confirmed by a nationwide referendum, with over 90% of voters supporting full independence.
Since 1992, August 24 has been recognized as Ukraine Independence Day, celebrated by Ukrainians across the globe. It’s a time to honor the sacrifices of those who fought for sovereignty and a reminder that democracy, culture, and national identity must be protected through daily effort.
📍 Alberta Legislature Grounds – South Bandshell
📅 Sunday, August 24, 2025
🕧 12:30 PM – 4:30 PM (some programming may extend to 5:00 PM)
📍 10800–10801 97 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB
🌐 Event Details: uccab.ca/programs/ukrainian-day
Join the Ukrainian Canadian community in Edmonton for a free, all-ages celebration of culture, unity, and freedom. Hosted by the Ukrainian Canadian Congress – Alberta Provincial Council (UCC-APC), this special edition of Ukrainian Day features:
Traditional music, song, and dance performances
Cultural showcases and community exhibits
Heritage displays and food vendors
Opportunities to connect, reflect, and support
This year marks the 34th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence, making this event especially meaningful as the country continues to defend its freedom.
Ukrainian Day is usually co-hosted with UCC-APC at the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village, east of Edmonton. However, due to a fire and a delayed season opening, the 2025 celebration has been relocated to the Alberta Legislature Grounds.
Alberta’s government remains committed to reopening the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village when it is safe and appropriate to do so.
We thank the public for their understanding and continued support, and look forward to welcoming everyone back to the Village in the future.
For venue updates and programming information, please visit:
🔗 uccab.ca/programs/ukrainian-day
You don’t need to be in Edmonton to take part in Ukraine Independence Day. Here are simple but meaningful ways to join the celebration:
Wear blue and yellow, the national colors of Ukraine 🇺🇦
Cook and share traditional Ukrainian dishes like borshch or varenyky
Learn a Ukrainian word like “Dyakúyu” (thank you) and use it throughout the day
Read a poem by Taras Shevchenko or Lesia Ukrainka
Donate to a Ukrainian support organization
Attend a Ukrainian cultural event in your area
Share a memory or recipe from your Ukrainian heritage
Post your support using #UkraineIndependenceDay on social media
Since the Russian invasion in 2022, Ukraine’s fight for independence has taken on new urgency. The world has witnessed the strength, courage, and unity of the Ukrainian people—not just in defending territory, but in preserving culture, democracy, and national identity.
Ukraine’s independence is not just a national issue—it’s a global symbol of the right to exist freely, without domination or erasure.
Your continued support—through humanitarian aid, military assistance, cultural solidarity, or simply sharing truth—makes a difference.
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | August 24 | Sunday |
| 2026 | August 24 | Monday |
| 2027 | August 24 | Tuesday |
| 2028 | August 24 | Thursday |
| 2029 | August 24 | Friday |
Whether through a festival, a family gathering, or a quiet moment of reflection, Ukraine Independence Day invites us all to honor a nation’s long journey to freedom—and to reaffirm our commitment to a future built on justice, dignity, and peace.
May Ukraine’s independence be protected, its culture cherished, and its future bright.
📍 For full details on the Ukrainian Day Festival in Edmonton, visit:
🔗 uccab.ca/programs/ukrainian-day
