The Verkhovna Rada has officially established a new national holiday — the Day of Ukrainian Music. The decision was passed by a majority vote: 292 deputies supported Resolution No. 15053. Now, every year on the third Saturday of September, the entire country will celebrate this day — not merely as an occasion for concerts, but as a symbol of cultural resistance and national identity.
In wartime, music has become a weapon. It unites, inspires, and reminds us who we are. This new holiday is not a trend, but a conscious step toward eliminating foreign content, supporting young artists, and showcasing the power of Ukrainian culture to the world.
The choice of date is no accident. The third Saturday of September echoes the legendary “Chervona Ruta” festival of 1989 in Chernivtsi. It was there, at the closing ceremony, that the banned anthem “Shche ne vmerla Ukrainy” was publicly performed for the first time. That act of courage became a turning point: music emerged from the underground, and the people found their voice.
The initiators of the resolution emphasize: the goal is not just to mark a date, but to preserve the memory of key moments in Ukrainian music history and honor the contributions of artists to the development of national culture. Today, Ukrainian musicians serve as effective cultural diplomacy on the global stage.
A comprehensive program of events is already being prepared: concerts, festivals, special radio and TV broadcasts, music marathons. Local authorities must ensure these events take place — so that every citizen can feel part of this shared celebration.
This is not just another day off. It’s the day when music becomes the voice of the nation — loud, free, and undefeated.