For the First Time, Ukraine Marks Europe Day on May 9 Under a New Calendar

Europe Day in Ukraine

According to Главком: On May 9, 2026, Ukraine will officially observe Europe Day alongside the European Union for the first time at the state level. This celebration has become a key fixture in the national calendar following Presidential Decree No. 266/2023, signed on May 8, 2023, which established the annual observance on this date. Europe Day commemorates the pivotal 1950 event when founding nations first proposed the creation of the European Union, a milestone initiated by the Schuman Declaration, signed by France's then-foreign minister.

Meanwhile, May 9 also holds religious significance as the day when the relics of Saint Nicholas the Wonderworker-often called Nicholas the Warm-are venerated in the church calendar. This tradition honors the 1087 transfer of the saint's remains from Myra (in modern-day Turkey) to the Italian city of Bari. In Ukraine, this feast carries deep meaning, as Saint Nicholas is regarded as a protector and patron.

Historical Events on May 9

Europe Day was originally established to mark the founding of the Council of Europe in 1949, with subsequent milestones in European integration shaping the holiday's evolution. Notably, 1950 saw the creation of the European Coal and Steel Community-the first European community and a precursor to the European Union. Another key historical reference is 1945, when the Soviet Union officially celebrated its victory over Nazi Germany.

Among the historical events that occurred on May 9, several stand out:

• the first flight of Igor Sikorsky's S-10 "Hydro" seaplane in 1913,
• Symon Petliura's election as head of the Ukrainian People's Republic Directorate in 1919,
• the joint Polish-Ukrainian parade on Khreshchatyk Street in 1920, celebrating the liberation of Kyiv from Bolshevik forces,
• the founding of the Ukrainian cultural society "Prosvita" in Uzhhorod in 1920,
• the relocation of Australia's parliament to its new capital, Canberra, in 1927.

Several folk beliefs are tied to May 9 as well. For instance, if frogs start croaking, it is said to promise a good oat harvest. Rain on Saint Nicholas Day suggests a bountiful grain yield. A starry and warm night on May 9 is thought to foretell a sunny summer, while the blooming of alder signals it is time to sow buckwheat.

Today, May 9 is also the name day for those named Mykola, Vasyl, Dmytro, and Yosyp. This date carries weight not only for its historical events but also for the cultural and religious traditions that unite Ukrainians in celebration.

Observing Europe Day in Ukraine symbolizes the nation's drive toward European integration and closer ties with the EU. The holiday also underscores the shared values that bind European countries together. At the same time, honoring Saint Nicholas adds a profound cultural and religious layer to May 9, making it a day where historical, cultural, and spiritual dimensions of Ukrainian life intersect.

As Ukraine embraces its new observance of Europe Day, it is also important to remember that May 9 holds a special place in the hearts of many due to the Feast of St. Nicholas the Warm. This day not only marks a significant moment in European history but also celebrates the legacy of a beloved saint, emphasizing the rich cultural tapestry that defines Ukraine's identity.