On January 22, Ukrainians celebrate the Day of the National Unity. 99 years ago on this day, the-then Ukrainian People's Republic and Western Ukrainian People's Republic united, based on the respective Act of Unity. The Act was declared at Sofiyska Square in Kyiv.
On this day, many Ukrainians join the live chain across Dnieper river, holding hands so as to symbolize the nation's integrity; the tradition dates back to 1990, when the event took place for the first time; that was one of the most memorable pages of the Ukrainian history. Currently, similar actions take place in other Ukrainian cities, divided into two banks by Dnieper.
The holiday was granted official status by the presidential decree in 1999.
Street traffic in Kyiv and other cities will be partially limited due to the festive events related to the holiday.
