Vyshyvanka Day 2026: Ukrainians are being urged to honour fallen soldiers by wearing ribbons
In Ukraine, a new remembrance campaign – ‘The Embroidered Ribbon of Remembrance’ – is being launched to mark Vyshyvanka Day.
It will take place on 21 May 2026. On this day, Ukrainians will celebrate Vyshyvanka Day, which traditionally falls on the third Thursday in May.
Ukrainians are being urged to attach embroidered ribbons near portraits of fallen soldiers, on avenues of heroes, near commemorative plaques on buildings, in schools or at the workplaces of the fallen defenders.
The initiative was launched by the civil society organisations “World Vyshyvanka Day”, the “Memorial” Remembrance Platform, and the Department of Social Policy of the Chernivtsi City Council.
The organisers explain that anyone can join the campaign. You can make an embroidered ribbon yourself or buy one ready-made in fabric shops or craft departments.
A brief history of Vyshyvanka Day
Vyshyvanka Day was launched in 2006 in Chernivtsi. The idea originated among students at Yuriy Fedkovych Chernivtsi National University: to come to class one day wearing vyshyvankas.
The student Lesya Voronyuk is credited with initiating the tradition. She was inspired by her friend Ihor Zhytairuk, who regularly wore an embroidered shirt to lectures. The first to join the initiative were a few students and university lecturers, and later the celebration became a nationwide and international event.
Vyshyvanka Day is not tied to the state or church calendar. Its purpose is to preserve the tradition of wearing Ukrainian embroidered clothing and to remind people of the cultural unity of Ukrainians.
What is the purpose of the campaign?
The organisers emphasise that Vyshyvanka Day is a bright and joyful celebration. At the same time, Ukrainians must remember who it is thanks to whom they are free to wear their national dress and speak the Ukrainian language.
That is why the “Embroidered Ribbon of Remembrance” is intended to be a token of gratitude to those who died defending Ukraine.
Schoolchildren and students are specifically encouraged to take part in the campaign. The initiators believe this will help young people better understand the true cost of freedom.
The organisers also want the culture of remembrance to become a regular part of Ukrainians’ lives – not just during the war, but in the future too.
As reported by ThePublic, when is Kyiv Day in 2026: date, history and traditions of the celebration
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