CONSTITUTION DAY IN UKRAINE: WHAT’S THE DEAL?

CONSTITUTION DAY IN UKRAINE: WHAT’S THE DEAL?

A little history 

On June 28, 1996, after a marathon parliamentary session that felt more like a reality show than a government debate, Ukraine finally adopted its first post-independence Constitution. Before that, Ukraine was using Soviet-era laws — not exactly the blueprint for a modern democracy. 

Passing the Constitution showed the world: “We’re not just independent in theory — we’ve got our own rules now.”

So how do Ukrainians celebrate?

Let’s be real: it’s not the loudest holiday on the calendar. But Ukrainians know how to make the most of it:

•It’s an official day off — and in summer, no less!

•Cities like Kyiv, Lviv, and Odesa often host free concerts, flag-waving events, and patriotic speeches.

•People might visit memorials, spend time with family, or relax at the dacha.

•And yes — many proudly wear their vyshyvankas (traditional embroidered shirts) to show off national pride.

TV networks also get in on the action, playing historical documentaries, feel-good speeches, and a few over-the-top music videos (because what’s patriotism without a dramatic slow-mo drone shot?).

Main principles of the Ukrainian Constitution in simple words

•Ukraine is a sovereign and independent state.

No one else controls Ukraine — it makes its own decisions.

• Power belongs to the people.

Citizens choose their leaders through free elections.

• All people are equal before the law.

No one has more rights than others, no matter their job, status, or wealth.

• The state protects the rights and freedoms of each person.

You have the right to life, freedom, safety, and dignity — and the state must protect those rights.

• Freedom of speech and opinion.

Everyone has the right to say what they think (as long as it doesn't break the law).

• Right to education.

Every child and adult has the right to go to school and get an education.

• Right to work and fair pay.

People can choose where they want to work and should be paid fairly.

• Right to health care.

The state helps make sure people can get medical help.

• Freedom of religion.

You can believe in any religion or not believe at all.

• No discrimination.

You cannot be treated unfairly because of your gender, race, language, religion, or opinions.

• Protection of the environment.

The Constitution says nature must be respected and protected.

• The Ukrainian language is the state language.

All official documents and communication are in Ukrainian, but other languages can be used in private.

• Crime and punishment.

A person is considered innocent until proven guilty by a court.

Mini vocabulary list: Constitution Day edition

Ukrainian                                                            English

Конституція                                                       Constitution

День Конституції                                              Constitution Day

свято                                                                    holiday

незалежність                                                     independence

права людини                                                   human rights 

свобода                                                               freedom

держава                                                              state

вишиванка                                                         embroidered shirt

вихідний                                                             day off

святкувати                                                          to celebrate

So next time June 28 comes around, throw on a vyshyvanka, wish your friends “З Днем Конституції!”, and toast to democracy — hopefully with something cold and a picnic in the park. No law books required.