Celebrating Ukrainian Independence at Kozak Buvette

Celebrating Ukrainian Independence Day at Kozak Buvette

On 24 August 2025, we were thrilled to celebrate Ukrainian Independence Day at Kozak Buvette with a special Ukrainian Independence Brunch! The yellow and blue colours, Ukrainian music, the sound of a real trembita brought from Ukraine, and many other symbols made the day deeply meaningful. Around 50 people joined us to share in these emotions, and it was wonderful to see so many dressed in vyshyvankas (traditional embroidered shirts).

Our menu was joyful and full of tradition:

Varenyky with cherries, quark, and potato
Filled crepes with cheese, poppy seeds, and mushrooms
Cabbage rolls with meat
Homemade sourdough bread
Vinegret and Olivie salad
Medovuk cake for dessert
Kompot served gratis

What Ukrainian Independence Day Means and How It’s Celebrated

Every year on 24 August, Ukraine marks its Independence Day — the date when, in 1991, the Verkhovna Rada (Ukraine’s Parliament) adopted the Declaration of Independence, formally breaking away from the Soviet Union.

This day celebrates Ukraine’s sovereignty, democratic values, and the freedom that was hard-won by generations.

Ceremonies and Official Celebrations

Independence Day in Ukraine usually begins with the singing of the national anthem, “Shche ne vmerla Ukraina” (“Ukraine Has Not Yet Perished”). The lyrics were written by Pavlo Chubynskyi, and the music was composed by Mykhailo Verbytskyi.

Excerpt from the anthem:

Ukrainian:
Ще не вмерла України і слава, і воля,
Ще нам, браття українці, усміхнеться доля.
Згинуть наші вороженьки, як роса на сонці,
Запануєм і ми, браття, у своїй сторонці.

English translation:
Ukraine’s glory and freedom have not yet perished,
Luck will still smile on us, brothers, Ukrainians.
Our enemies will vanish like dew in the sun,
We too shall rule, brothers, in our own land.

The day continues with a flag-raising ceremony and a speech by the President in Kyiv. Major cities across the country host parades, wreath-laying ceremonies, and military commemorations to honor those who fought for Ukraine’s freedom.

Traditionally, state awards — including the Hero of Ukraine medal — are presented to the families of fallen soldiers, as well as to living defenders and distinguished citizens. This is one of the most solemn and emotional moments of the day.

The main official celebrations usually take place either on Mykhailivska Square or Maidan Nezalezhnosti, Kyiv’s central square.

🎥 You can watch the 2025 ceremony here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6QbFyanaM0

Cultural Shows, Music, and Dance

Independence Day is also celebrated through cultural performances, music, and dance. Before the full-scale war, national television often broadcast large concerts featuring well-known Ukrainian artists performing beloved national songs with stunning staging and choreography.

🎶 Example concert:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAY4rJUsSc0

Documentaries and films about Ukrainian history and identity are also released or broadcast on this day, offering reflection on the country’s cultural heritage and resilience.

📽️ Example documentary:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WiZDik18hnc

Family and Community Gatherings

Families across Ukraine come together to share festive meals, enjoy the outdoors, and celebrate Ukrainian traditions. Parks and city squares fill with people wearing vyshyvankas, joining picnics, games, and community events. It’s also a time for remembering the past — honoring family histories, those who fought for independence, and those who continue to defend the country today.

For example, this year at the National Museum of Folk Architecture and Life of Ukraine (Pyrohiv), visitors could take part in excursions, explore exhibitions, and join guided events. The program changes each year — here’s what was offered in 2025:
https://www.instagram.com/pyrohiv.museum/

We also decorated our space with traditional embroidered towels and fresh sunflowers, adding brightness and warmth.

Thank you to everyone who shared this special day with us — it’s a celebration we’ll long remember. 💛💙

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