Every year on the last Sunday of May, Kyiv celebrates its birthday — a city with a rich history and extraordinary resilience despite wartime trials. The official date of Kyiv’s founding is 482 AD, and from this time, its founding is mythically linked to the Polyan prince Kyi along with his brothers Shchek and Khoriv and sister Lybid. According to legend, the city’s name comes from its founder’s name.
This is reported by Kyiv24
The first celebration of Kyiv Day took place in 1982, when the city turned 1500 years old, and since then, this holiday has become annual. Despite the devastating blows from the Russian Federation, Kyiv maintains its dignity and strength and remains a symbol of Ukrainian independence.
A City That Has Withstood the Test of Time
The Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Ruslan Stefanchuk, emphasized during the greetings: “The city from which Rus’ began. A city that has survived invasions by enemy troops, the collapse of empires, disasters, and revolutions — and has always risen from the ruins. It remains Ukrainian despite centuries of attempts to reshape its essence.” According to him, Kyiv stood strong then and continues to hold its ground now.
Stefanchuk stated that the main thing is the people who live in the city, learn, work, defend, and restore it. He called out: “Kyiv endures because its residents endure. And together we will do everything to ensure it remains free, beautiful, strong, and Ukrainian.”
The head of the Kyiv City Military Administration, Tymur Tkachenko, during the celebration, urged everyone to remember those who defend the city: “So that we can live with dignity. Let us remember this. Let us take care of each other and our city. Let us be worthy of those who protect us from the enemy.”
Symbols and Remembrance on Kyiv Day
In Postal Square in Kyiv, sculptures of the founding children — Kyi, Shchek, Khoriv, and Lybid — were installed for the city day. They were dressed in the costumes of Kyiv princes and tied black ribbons due to the latest Russian attack. This was reported by the author of the composition, Volodymyr Zhuravel, who published photos of the little founders of Kyiv.
“A gloomy Kyiv Day. Condolences to all affected by the latest attack of the occupiers on Kyiv, Kyiv region, and Ukraine. Eternal rest to the fallen. Thank you to our defenders! We believe that the sun of Ukraine’s victory will rise.”
The sculptures were adorned with wreaths made of oak, linden, viburnum, and periwinkle leaves. Additionally, the child holding a chestnut leaf was tied with a black ribbon. The author of the composition added that the princes’ costumes were made by his wife, Kateryna Zhuravel.
The «Wheels of History» Museum invites everyone to celebrate Kyiv Day together with retro technology enthusiasts. They have prepared a special tour dedicated to the history of Kyiv as a city of vehicle production. Visitors will be able to learn more about the technical heritage of the capital and its role in the development of transport. The event will take place at: Malynska Street, 1, and will run from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.