Memorial, Cultural, and Educational Events for the 10th Anniversary of the Maidan
Kyiv will host a series of memorial, cultural, and educational events on February 20, 2024, marking the tenth anniversary of the Maidan protests. Due to the ongoing martial law, the commemorations will be held in a subdued format, with heightened security measures in the city center. This day honors the memory of the Heavenly Hundred, as February 20, 2014, saw the highest number of Maidan activist fatalities; a total of 78 people died on the Maidan from February 18 to 20 that year, with an additional 20 perishing after that date. The Maidan, also known as the Revolution of Dignity, was a pivotal pro-European movement that profoundly shaped modern Ukraine.
Event Schedule
Memorial events will include:
- The annual silent 'Angels of Memory' procession along the Alley of the Heavenly Hundred Heroes, starting at 11:30.
- A memorial-artistic action, 'Territory of Dignity,' on Independence Square at 7:00.
- A ceremony honoring the memory of the Heavenly Hundred Heroes and participants of the Revolution of Dignity at the Ecumenical Church of Archangel Michael from 10:00 to 11:30.
- A 'Memory Walk' from Independence Square to the Ecumenical Church at 18:00.
- Memorial events in all districts of Kyiv.
Theatrical and artistic events will also take place, including:
- The performance 'Play 22, or The Hero's Path' at the Kyiv Operetta Theatre at 18:00.
- A presentation of the concert program by the L. M. Revutsky Choir at the House of Scientists of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine on February 22 at 15:00.
Exhibition projects are planned as follows:
- Thematic exhibitions in 'Natalka' Park from February 19 to 25.
- The street exhibition '40 Events of the Euromaidan...' on Independence Square at 12:00.
- An archival document exhibition 'For the Day of the Heavenly Hundred Heroes' at the State Archive of the City of Kyiv.
Educational and awareness-raising events will include:
- A patriotic stream-talk with Revolution of Dignity participant I. Bratus at the Specialized Youth Library on February 19.
- The city-wide patriotic appliqué competition 'Angels of Freedom' at the Kyiv Center for Children and Youth Tourism from February 19 to 20.
- An educational event, 'The Heavenly Hundred: The Price of Freedom,' at the Kyiv Junior Academy of Sciences on February 19.
Educational institutions will also hold thematic events throughout February, and a social media flashmob under the hashtag #ThisIsAboutFreedom will take place on Facebook and Instagram.
To ensure safety during the mass gatherings, emergency medical teams and reinforced police units will be on duty at event locations from February 18 to 20.
The 10th anniversary of the Maidan events is a crucial moment for honoring the fallen and remembering the value of freedom and dignity. These events not only mark tragic moments in Ukraine's history but are also designed to raise awareness among youth about the historical events that shaped modern national identity. In the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, they further underscore the importance of unity and solidarity among Ukrainians.