All region capitals will celebrate this event. Meanwhile, Kyiv had begun preparing for this day a couple of weeks in advance.

Independence Day in Kyiv
Kyiv, the Capital of Ukraine, is where the most important events of Independence Day take place. While other regions do have similar events, it is Kyiv that has more importance when it comes to celebrating this day for both cultural and historical reasons.
Parade. Spectacular military parade is one of the significant traditions that have been observed on August 24th every year. This part of the celebration turned out to be rather controversial in a light of recent events in Eastern Ukraine. Many Ukrainians consider a parade in a time of active military conflict somewhat inappropriate, however, official Kyiv says that a parade is a good way to show respect and gratitude to all the soldiers and their families.

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All the disputes aside, one of the most spectacular military parade in independent Ukraine’s history will start on Wednesday morning, August 24th at Khreshchatyk street. It will count over 4 thousand participants and will showcase 200 units of military machinery. The President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko will be also attending the parade on the Independence Day 2016 of Ukraine.

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Fairs. On August 24th, The Independence Day of Ukraine, one will have a chance to attend numerous art fairs. Ivan Mazepy street, located in Kyiv downtown, will turn into huge Pechersk fair field. Starting from noon and till the late evening Pechersk Fair will offer retro cars exhibition, local artists’ exhibitions and patriotically themed fun flash-mobs to all eager visitors.

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Andriyivsky (Andrew’s) Uzviz will host Ukrainian crafts and arts fairs on August 24th. On the Independence Day of Ukraine guests will have a chance to buy unique artisan souvenirs from different regions of Ukraine.

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Race in ‘Vyshyvankas’. On Independence Day of Ukraine (August 24, 2016), the traditional Race in ‘Vyshyvankas’ (embroidered shirts) will take place in the capital of Ukraine. This is a charitable event aiming to collect funds for the purchase of track and field kits for students of five schools in Kyiv. The big Independence race will start with at Rusanivska waterfront on August 24, 2016 in Kyiv. However, the festive race will last until August 27, 2016 in other cities. Both adults and children can step into the fight for the Independence Cup. Everyone will be able to contribute to the charity and to test their strength at different distances: children up to 10 years will run 100 meters; under 15 - 500 meters; and adults will compete in the races of 500 meters, 5 and 10 kilometers distances.

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Independence Fest hosted by Parkovka art-platform invites all the guests to reveal Ukrainian within themselves (that is a festival motto) and listen to some good Ukrainian bands. The line-up will include such hipster bands as "Odyn v Canoe" (Single in Canoe), Vivienne Mort, Gapochka, Zapaska, Dj Mary Jane and many others. Food Court at the festival will be catered by Master Chef (popular culinary tv show) participants. Location of the Independence Fest in Kyiv is Izumskaya street, 7, Demiyivska metro station.

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Historical reenactment festival will take place in Kyiv Rus Theme Park near Kyiv. Travel back in time and feel an intriguing and breathtaking ambiance of the ancient Ukraine on its Independence Day. The spectacular show will start at 10 AM and will last until 4 PM. The Kyiv Rus theme park is located in Kopachiv village, 45 minutes car ride away from Kyiv via Obukhiv highway.

Photo: Kyiv Rus Park Facebook Page
Shifting away from Kyiv, other Ukrainian cities offer plenty fun and patriotically themed activities to celebrate the Independence Day.

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Independence Day in Lviv
Lviv will be hosting annual «Etnovyr» Festival on August 24th. This is one of the most spectacular festivals of Western Ukraine. Folklore of different countries as well as different retrospectives of Ukrainian folk culture will be showcased to all the guests in forms of dance, theater, cinema, fine art and literature. This spectacular event drives thousands of attendees from different countries to Lviv in order to create a unique multicultural atmosphere. «Etnovyr» will be happening on numerous locations all over town. We suggest you check the detailed information on its schedule on-line. The majority of events during the festival are fee.

Photo: Etnovyr Festival Facebook Page
Independence Day in Odessa

«Okean Elzy» concert will be the highlight of Independence Day 2016 of Ukraine celebration in Odessa. This is without any doubt the most popular Ukrainian band, the symbol of Ukrainian pop-rock contemporary music. The band is well known not only in Ukraine, but in many other countries worldwide. Each concert of «Okean Elzy» gathers thousands of fans and creates unforgettable atmosphere. The Independence Day concert will take place at «Chernomorets» stadium, on August 24th at 8 PM.

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Independence Day in Dnipro
«Vil’ne Nebo» («Free Sky») air show will soar over city of Dnipro (former Dnipropetrovsk) on August 24th , 2016 featuring Ukraine’s most modern aircrafts. «Vil’ne Nebo» will be an awe-inspiring show featuring thrilling performances by the best Ukrainian pilots. The show starts at noon and will last for the whole day until 10 PM at Mayskiy Airfield.

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The days leading up to the Independence Day will see increased security covering of important places to ensure smooth functioning. With Ukrainian national flags adoring every building, the cities of Ukraine get ready for the busy day of festivities.

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Celebrating the Independence Day 2016 in Ukraine is one of the best parts about summer. You get a chance to spend a wonderful day with your family, watch fireworks, go to a parade or attend various concerts and fairs— the options are endless and extremely exciting.