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Festivals in Ukraine present a vibrant tapestry of traditional rituals, historical pageantry, and regional celebrations reflecting the nation’s diverse heritage. From centuries-old religious events and folklore dances to modern music and food festivals, these popular Ukrainian festivals capture the enduring spirit of Ukrainian culture. Whether held in lively cities or peaceful Carpathian villages, each celebration offers an authentic cultural experience. Travellers are invited to explore a rich mosaic of traditions, alive with joy, rhythm, and the colourful soul of Ukraine.
Top Festivals In Ukraine
These are the best festivals in Ukraine, inviting you into the heart of the nation’s cultural rhythm. Discover ancient customs, joyful dances, and traditions celebrated across generations.
1. Vyshyvanka Festival
Photo: Vlad Vasnetsov / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
One of the most famous festivals in Ukraine, the Vyshyvanka Festival, celebrates the iconic embroidered shirt symbolizing national identity. Held in cities like Kyiv, Lviv, and Odesa, this colorful event features parades, performances, and exhibitions of traditional embroidery. Participants proudly wear vyshyvankas, creating a sea of intricate patterns and patriotic pride. The festival revives ancient craftsmanship while uniting people in celebration of Ukraine’s folk heritage.
Location: Kyiv
Celebrated In: The Third Thursday in May
Nearby Attractions: St. Sophia Cathedral, Maidan Nezalezhnosti
Cuisines To Try: Varenyky (dumplings), holubtsi (stuffed cabbage rolls)
2. Malanka (Old New Year)
Photo: Artem.Galkin.ua / Wikimedia Commons
Among the most anticipated festivals in Ukraine, Malanka marks the “Old New Year” with vibrant street carnivals. Rooted in pre-Christian rituals, it’s especially spectacular in western regions like Chernivtsi and Bukovyna. Expect colorful masks, satirical performances, and folk music echoing through towns. Costumed characters such as “Malanka” and “Vasyl” bring laughter and tradition alive in this fantastical winter celebration.
Location: Chernivtsi, Bukovyna
Celebrated In: January on the 13th – 14th
Nearby Attractions: Chernivtsi National University, Khotyn Fortress
Cuisines To Try: Borscht, pampushky (garlic rolls)
3. Atlas Weekend
Photo: Tony Pham / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Atlas Weekend is a massive music festival that brings global and Ukrainian artists to Kyiv for an epic multi-day celebration. Held at the Expocenter of Ukraine, it attracts hundreds of thousands of artists whose performances range from rock and pop to electronic, indie, and hip hop. The atmosphere is electric, with multiple stages, immersive art zones, and open-air activities creating a festival village of creativity and expression. Food trucks, lounge zones, and interactive experiences add to the excitement, making it one of the most iconic festivals in Ukraine.
Location: Kyiv, Expocenter of Ukraine
Celebrated In: July
Nearby Attractions: National Museum of Ukraine, Kyiv Pechersk Lavra
Cuisines To Try: Chicken Kyiv, syrnyky (cottage cheese pancakes)
4. Sorochinsky Fair
Photo: Turzh / Wikimedia Commons
This legendary folk fair in Velyki Sorochyntsi is a lively blend of market, festival, and performance that draws thousands of people each year. Dating back to the 18th century and immortalized in the works of writer Nikolai Gogol, the Sorochinsky Fair offers a colorful celebration of Ukrainian folk life. Visitors can explore hundreds of stalls selling handcrafted goods, enjoy live music, dance performances, watch traditional plays, and sample regional delicacies. It’s an immersive cultural experience rooted in heritage and hospitality.
Location: Velyki Sorochyntsi, Poltava region
Celebrated In: August
Nearby Attractions: Gogol Memorial Museum, Poltava Battle History Museum
Cuisines To Try: Deruny (potato pancakes), kovbasa (smoked sausage)
5. Kupala Night (Ivan Kupala)
Photo: Лобачев Владимир / Wikimedia Commons
Spiritual and mystical, Ivan Kupala Night is rooted in ancient pagan traditions that honor nature’s elements—love, water, and fire. Celebrated especially in central and western Ukraine, it features romantic rituals like wreath-floating, where girls release flower crowns into rivers to foresee their future husbands. Couples leap over bonfires for good luck, and folklore songs echo through the night. The mythical search for a blooming fern flower adds an enchanting, symbolic layer to this magical celebration.
Location: Across Ukraine, especially in the Rivne and Lviv regions
Celebrated In: July on the 6th – 7th
Nearby Attractions: Tunnel of Love, Lviv Old Town
Cuisines To Try: Banosh (cornmeal with cheese), uzvar (dried fruit drink)
6. Leopolis Jazz Fest
Photo: Filip Mishevski / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Held in the charming city of Lviv, Leopolis Jazz Fest brings together world-class jazz artists and music lovers from across the globe. Set against the backdrop of historic architecture and scenic parks, the festival features open-air performances, intimate gigs, and jazz workshops. The city comes alive with rhythm, attracting tens of thousands annually. Recognized by The Guardian as one of Europe’s top jazz festivals, it’s a must-visit for culture and music enthusiasts alike.
Location: Lviv
Celebrated In: Late June
Nearby Attractions: Lviv Opera House, Market Square
Cuisines To Try: Lviv cheesecake, varenyky with cherries
7. Kyiv Day
Photo: Panoramio upload bot / Wikimedia Commons
Kyiv Day is a grand celebration of the Ukrainian capital’s founding, filled with concerts, parades, street fairs, and dazzling fireworks. The entire city buzzes with life as locals and visitors enjoy open-air music performances, traditional dance shows, food markets, and historical exhibitions. Families gather by the Dnipro River to watch vibrant light displays, while artists and vendors fill the parks and squares. It’s a spirited tribute to Kyiv’s rich heritage and dynamic present.
Location: Kyiv
Celebrated In: The Last weekend of May
Nearby Attractions: Andriyivskyy Descent, Motherland Monument
Cuisines To Try: Salo (cured fat), kvas (fermented drink)
8. Ukrainian Independence Day
Celebrated with great patriotic spirit, Ukraine’s Independence Day features military parades, traditional music, and street festivals across the country. Kyiv hosts the main events, drawing thousands of people to honor Ukraine’s freedom and resilience. It’s a proud and emotional celebration of national identity, filled with waving blue-and-yellow flags and cultural pride.
Location: Nationwide (main events in Kyiv)
Celebrated In: August on the 24th
Nearby Attractions: Constitution Square, Golden Gate of Kyiv
Cuisines To Try: Olivier salad, kotleta po-kyivsky (Kyiv cutlet)
9. Bukovina Folklore Festival
Photo: JuliaKrizhevskaya / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Held in the scenic town of Vyzhnytsia in the Carpathians, the Bukovina Folklore Festival is a captivating celebration of Ukraine’s multicultural roots. It brings together vibrant folk ensembles from Ukraine, Romania, Moldova, and beyond, each showcasing traditional music, dances, and hand-embroidered costumes unique to their regions. Against the breathtaking mountain scenery, visitors experience a living museum of customs and rhythms, making it one of the most heartfelt cultural festivals in Ukraine.
Location: Vyzhnytsia, Chernivtsi Oblast
Celebrated In: August
Nearby Attractions: Carpathian Mountains, Vyzhnytsia National Park
Cuisines To Try: Kulesha (cornmeal porridge), mushroom soup
These famous festivals in Ukraine invite you to experience the country’s cultural vibrancy—from sacred pilgrimages and modern music events to ancient rituals and bustling street parades. Each festival offers a unique lens into Ukrainian traditions, landscapes, and communities. Whether you’re dancing in Lviv or exploring the Carpathian highlands, festivals in Ukraine promise unforgettable journeys. Plan your trip with TripXL for an immersive cultural experience and incredible local flavours that will enrich your travel memories.
Cover Photo: Mae Jones / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
