Kyiv Day: how the holiday was celebrated in the capital of Ukraine

Traditionally, Kyiv Day is celebrated on the last Sunday of May. At this time, the capital brings together everyone who feels a special love for it and wants to celebrate its symbolic birthday.

The officially accepted date of Kyiv’s foundation is 482. According to legend, the city was founded by the Polissya prince Kyi with his brothers Shchek and Khoriv and sister Lybidya. The name of the capital comes from the name of Kyi, the eldest of the three brothers.

Kyiv Day was first celebrated in 1982, when the city turned 1,500 years old. This year, the capital of Ukraine celebrates its 1543rd anniversary.

Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko congratulated the city’s residents on the holiday on his Telegram channel. He emphasised the extent to which the capital is exposed to Russian attacks and is helping the frontline.

‘Kyiv will heal its wounds. And it will become even more beautiful! It will live without worries and flourish,’ he said.

Kyiv Day was marked by a number of events that could be attended by Kyiv residents and visitors.

Kyiv Day 2025 and events in the city

Concerts:

• Tina Karol with an exclusive programme on the stage of the Vyava cultural space
• World hits performed by the symphony orchestra on the terrace of the Gulliver shopping centre
• NAONI Orchestra, World Hits – Pechersk Palace Cultural Centre
• Your own – for the Day of Kyiv at Docker Pub
• Victor Romanchenko, Olga Zhmurina and The Waves rock band on the stage of the Kyiv Opera House
• Notturno D’amore at the Mykola Lysenko Memorial House – mezzo-soprano Ruslana Yakobinchuk, bass Roman Smolyar and the Kyiv Guitar Quartet
• A festive concert with Ruslana, Vera Kekelia, Lina Tion, Muayad on the VDNH glade

Performances:

• Fiddler on the Roof – Kyiv National Academic Operetta Theatre
• Home – Kyiv Academic Theatre of Drama and Comedy on the left bank of the Dnipro River
• Re(re)creation – Three Theatres Hub
• Carlson is looking for a friend – Theatre on Mykhailivska
• Another Song – Opera and Ballet Theatre for Children and Youth
• Stranger – Podil Theatre
• Brothers – Lesya Ukrainka National Academic Drama Theatre
• Odesa. Crazy Love – Koleso Theatre
• Solo for drums – Lesya Ukrainka National Academic Drama Theatre
• Croissants with almonds – Suzirya Theatre

Excursions:

• Street tour The history of the Bunge house (Pharmacy-museum in Podil)
• Walking tour Maria Zankovetska and Kyiv, excursion route from the M. Zankovetska House-Museum to the Kyiv National Academic Operetta Theatre
• Secrets of the Metropolitan’s Chambers and the Church of the Annunciation (National Museum of Decorative Arts of Ukraine).
• Presentation of the thematic tour Kyiv Follows Me in Dreams, dedicated to the life and work of the poet Pavlo Tychyna (P.G. Tychyna Literary Memorial Museum-Apartment).
• Excursion to Lukianivske cemetery by Captain Kyiv agency

Earlier, the Maly Theatre announced the focus theme and dates of the Cult of Kyiv festival.