The Day of Dignity and Freedom — the history of the holiday
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Every year on 21 November, Ukraine celebrates the Day of Dignity and Freedom, a holiday that has become a symbol of the Ukrainian people's struggle for democratic values and human rights. This date commemorates two significant events in the country's history: the Orange Revolution in 2004 and the Revolution of Dignity in 2013.
Read about the history and importance of the date in the Novyny.LIVE article.
The Day of Dignity and Freedom was introduced by President Petro Poroshenko's decree on November 13, 2014, to promote the ideals of freedom and democracy in Ukraine, as well as to preserve the memory of key events that have shaped the modern history of the country. This holiday was the successor to Freedom Day, which was celebrated from 2005 to 2011 until it was abolished by President Viktor Yanukovych's decree.
Historical context
The Revolution of Dignity, which began in 2013, was a response to the then-government's decision to refuse to sign an association agreement with the European Union. The protests that erupted on Independence Square later escalated into mass actions demanding not only Ukraine's European course but also the resignation of the corrupt government. The Orange Revolution of 2004, in turn, was a reaction to fraud in the presidential election.
Modern celebrations
In the first years of the celebration of the Day of Dignity and Freedom, numerous events were held in Ukraine to honor the memory of those killed on the Maidan. The first year of the holiday (2014) was a conflict one: relatives of the Heavenly Hundred heroes expressed their outrage at the impunity of those responsible for the murders of protesters, which led to emotional moments during the official celebrations.
The following years were also marked by protests and actions that emphasized the importance of democracy and the fight for human rights. For example, in 2015, protests were held in Kryvyi Rih over fraud in local elections, and in Kherson region, there were conflicts between activists and law enforcement officers.
In 2020, activists held a rally in Kyiv to demand anti-corruption policies and other important issues, emphasizing that the fight for dignity and freedom continues.
Summary
The Day of Dignity and Freedom is an important element of Ukrainian identity that reminds us of the value of freedom, democracy and human rights. This holiday unites people in a common memory of the heroes who gave their lives for a better future for Ukraine and encourages them to take active action in the fight for justice and dignity.
On the tenth anniversary of the Revolution of Dignity in 2023, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the events of that period the "first counteroffensive" of Ukrainians. Zelenskyy emphasized that every year Ukraine does everything possible to ensure that the star of Ukraine shines in the circle of stars on the EU flag, which symbolizes the unity of the peoples of Europe.
Also, Novyny.LIVE told how Maidan Nezalezhnosti has changed from 1991 to the present.
