You're reading: Guide to the Day of Kyiv celebrations

Even though Kyiv witnessed lots of damage during the EuroMaidan Revolution, the tradition of celebrating the Day of Kyiv on the last weekend of May will be observed.

This year
Kyivans will enjoy two-day celebrations. However, the entertainment program was
cut because of the tragic events unfolding in the country’s east.  Maidan Nezalezhnosti won’t witness traditional
fireworks and some big concerts were cancelled, but there are still plenty of
opportunities to enjoy.

Ukrainian Bike Day

Professional
cyclists will have a chance to check in at another bike parade dedicated to the
Day of Kyiv celebrations. The event will take place at Kyiv’s Sofiyivska
Square. The participants will move towards Taras Shevchenko Boulevard  along Naberezhno-Khreshatytska Street to
Druzhby Narodiv Park.

The
organizers also developed a route for children. It starts on Sofiivska Square
and goes through Volodymyrska Street, Lva Tolstoho, Tereshchenkivska Street
with a finish line at Mykhailivska Square.

Ukrainian Bike Day. May 31. Sofiivska Square.
10 a.m. Free

First strawberries celebration

Children
and adults can attend an open air festival in Kyiv’s Feofania Park and taste
the most appreciate summer berries. Also the visitors can enjoy a number of
workshops and buy handmade toys and souvenirs. The musical program is included
and the visitors won’t stay hungry as the number of Kyiv restaurants will have
their food courts there in the park.

First strawberries celebration. May 31 – June
1. Feofania Park. 32 Akademika Lebedeva St. 526-1905. 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. Hr 50
(free for children up to 12 years)

Race Horizon Park

Even though
Khreshchatyk Street is still in barricades and houses a number of tents where
anti-government protesters live since the start of EuroMaidan Revolution, Race
Horizon Park International bike championship is going to be held in Kyiv’s
central street. The cyclists from 12 European countries will participate in the
competition in order to support Ukrainian people.

Race Horizon Park. May 30 – June 1. Sofiyivska
Square. 10 a.m.

Culture Parade

The parade of 42 countries’ delegations will show off the colors of the
national costumes to Kyivans. The event is going to start at noon in
picturesque Obolon Quay. The organizers also plan to have a musical program
accompanying the parade.

May 31. Obolon Quay.
12 p.m. – 3 p.m. Free

Kite balloon festival 

Kite balloon festival the organizers promise bright holiday for school children who can try to fly paper kites outside of Kyiv. The festival aims to promote mass sports model among children and save the network model airplane clubs in schools, vocational schools and after-school facilities. 

Kite balloon festival. May 31. Pyrohovo Open-air Folk Museum (Pyrohovo village, Kyiv Oblast).  10 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Beach soccer festival

Those who haven’t opened a beach season yet will have a chance to catch
up participate in all-day soccer festival that will take place at Kyiv’s
Hydropark near the Dnipro River.

Beach soccer festival.
Hydropark
. May 31. 12 p.m. Free

Open Yachting
Championship

The first round of this years’ yacht regatta takes place on the Dnipro River
in city’s Podil district. Those who
appreciate this sport will have a chance to observe Ukrainian and international
yachtsmen and enjoy two-day competition.

Open Yachting Championship.
May 31 – June 1. 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.

Kyiv Post staff
writer Olena Goncharova can be reached at
[email protected]