Today, November 21, Ukraine celebrates the Day of Dignity and Freedom 2024. This holiday is dedicated to the anniversary of two significant events in Ukrainian history - the Orange Revolution and the Euromaidan. Ukrainians have proven their commitment to democracy and European values. And they continue to defend the ideals of freedom during a full-scale war with Russia.

We told what the holiday of November 21 is dedicated to, and collected beautiful postcards that can be used to congratulate those involved in the two Ukrainian Maidans.

What is celebrated on the Day of Dignity and Freedom
This holiday is dedicated to the two biggest revolutions in independent Ukraine. They changed the course of history.

The Orange Revolution began on November 22, 2004, during the presidential elections, in which Viktor Yanukovych won by dishonest means. Ukrainians protested against counterfeiting. Peaceful actions lasted for 2 months, after which voting was held again. Viktor Yushchenko became the new president.

Euromaidan or the Revolution of Dignity began on November 21, 2013. The reason was the government's pro-Russian policy and rejection of European integration. Tens of thousands of people gathered on Independence Square, announcing an indefinite protest. Activists demanded the adoption of European integration laws or the resignation of the government.

Later, the protests spread to other cities. And on the night of November 29-30, the authorities tried to disperse the activists by force, sending a squad of "Berkut" fighters to the Maidan. The attack mostly affected students.

The first victims among the activists appeared on January 22, 2014. And the days of February 18-20 were marked by the toughest phase of confrontation between protesters and the government. Almost a hundred revolutionaries died, who in the future will be called the Heavenly Hundred. On February 22, Yanukovych fled Kyiv, and Euromaidan officially ended.

The Day of Dignity and Freedom holiday on November 21 was established in 2005 by decree of Viktor Yushchenko and was celebrated until 2010. However, when Viktor Yanukovych became the next president, he canceled the memorable date. After his escape to Russia, the new president Petro Poroshenko returned the holiday in 2014.

It is customary to mark the holiday with informational events about Euromaidan. The main actions are held in Kyiv. Also, on this date, flowers are placed at Alley of the Heavenly Hundred and honor those who died during the activists' revolution.