For centuries Ukraine was dominated by Poland, Russia, Turkey and other foreign countries. Before the country gained independence, it was a part of the Soviet Union. The Ukrainian Parliament adopted a document of great importance in 1991 - the Declaration of State Sovereignty of Ukraine. It opened a new page of the Ukrainian history and was followed by a long path of building up a democratic state on the rule of law. Around 90% of Ukrainians voted for their state’s independence following the declaration. It is usually celebrated with a large-scale military parade in the capital of Ukraine - Kyiv.
Many of Ukrainian cities also hold parades, when people wear traditional national apparel – vyshyvanka. It is a nice way to manifest one's love and dedication to the motherland. This year, a race in vyshyvankas will take place in Kyiv on August 24.
As a rule, a real Ukrainian patriot celebrates the Independence Day showing their's country flag - a banner of 2 equally sized horizontal bands of blue and yellow. Blue symbolizes a peaceful sly above a wheat field - yellow.
Apart from the parades, such events as concerts, outdoor exhibitions, fireworks, circuses, free public markets and fairs are held.
It is important to mention, that Independence Day is a state holiday in Ukraine, so most of the shops, museums, libraries as well as government offices and educational institutions are closed.
