Started as a Socialist political event, the International Women’s Day blended the culture of many countries in Europe, especially those in the Soviet Bloc. However, the day lost its political flavor in the majority of the post-Soviet countries and became simply an occasion for people to express their love for women in a way that reminds a mixture of Mother's Day and Valentine's Day holidays.
International Women’s Day in Ukraine, commonly referred to as the 8th of March, is an official public holiday in the country. Having an extra day off, families and friends tend to spend the long weekend going out, visiting museums, walking (sometimes the weather prepares its small gift for the women, too), attending numerous events and concerts, specially organized on the occasion. However, not everyone shares this prospective: for a couple of years already, a traditional celebration of this day for Ukrainian feminists is marching on a parade.
Read: How to Spend March 8 Holiday Weekend in Kiev
On this day, it is customary for men in Ukraine to give flowers and gifts to the women in their lives: friends, mothers, wives, girlfriends, daughters, colleagues etc.
Women are generally happy to receive those small signs of attention. However, the most pleasing and delightful part of this holiday in Ukraine is, probably, to see the cities changing their appearance: you can spot bright colors of blooming flowers of all kinds and shiny smiles everywhere around.
Read: Best Spring Gifts for Women
Even though the celebration of International Women’s Day in Ukraine is not generally walking in time with Europe and USA, the 8th of March is still a pleasant, happy and beautiful holiday for Ukrainian women who adore to be honored this day.