Constitution Day in Ukraine
Ukraine marks Constitution Day on June 28, the date the Verkhovna Rada adopted the country’s Constitution in 1996. The Constitution itself names the adoption day as a public holiday, while rules about time off and substitute days depend on the labor law in force.[1][2]
A holiday written into the Constitution
Article 161 of Ukraine’s Constitution identifies the day of its adoption as Constitution Day, a public holiday. The Labor Code also lists June 28 among Ukraine’s public holidays and non-working days.[1][3]
Under the Labor Code’s ordinary rules, when a public holiday coincides with a weekly day off, that day off moves to the next day. Work may continue in services that cannot stop for technical reasons or because they serve the public.[3]
The adoption of the Basic Law
The Verkhovna Rada adopted the Constitution on June 28, 1996, after nearly a full day of continuous work. The parliamentary account records 315 votes in favor. Ukraine had remained under the 1978 Soviet-era Constitution after independence; the new Constitution set out the legal framework for the independent state.[2]
Ukraine’s constitutional history reaches further back than the current document. A Verkhovna Rada historical overview describes earlier Ukrainian constitutional projects, including the 1918 Constitution of the Ukrainian People’s Republic, which did not take effect. Constitution Day, however, marks adoption of the current Constitution in 1996.[2]
How the day is observed
There is no single program that defines how people across Ukraine observe Constitution Day. Parliamentary commemorations have included ceremonies open to citizens and activities focused on parliamentary education. These are examples of official observances, rather than a fixed nationwide custom.[4]
At its core, the day recalls the adoption of Ukraine’s Basic Law and its place in the country’s legal and political life. Check local guidance for traditional food or customs for the holiday.[1][2]
Work, closures and substitute days
During martial law, a special labor law disapplies parts of the Labor Code covering public holidays and the usual transfer of a day off when a holiday falls on a weekend. As a result, Constitution Day does not automatically mean a day off or a Monday substitute under those rules while martial law is in effect. Employers set work schedules within the applicable rules.[3][5]
The holiday’s public status does not by itself confirm that a particular government office, bank, shop, school or transport service will close. Opening hours and services can depend on the organization and local conditions, so check directly before making plans.[3][5]
Frequently asked questions
When is Constitution Day in Ukraine?
Is Constitution Day a day off?
Does a Sunday Constitution Day move to Monday?
Sources and references
Sources used for Constitution Day in Ukraine:
- Constitution of Ukraine- Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine
- Довідкові матеріали до 24-ї річниці ухвалення Конституції України- Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine
- Кодекс законів про працю України, затверджений Законом УРСР «Про затвердження Кодексу законів про працю Української РСР»- State Property Fund of Ukraine
- "The Verkhovna Rada for the first time organized and held the Day of the Constitution of Ukraine in the open European format," Olena Kondratiuk- Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine
- Коментар Мінекономіки до Закону України від 15 березня 2022 р. № 2136-ІХ «Про організацію трудових відносин в умовах воєнного стану»- Ministry of Economy and Environment of Ukraine