Day of the National Anthem of Ukraine: history, meaning and interesting facts about the national symbol

Every year on March 10, Ukrainians celebrate the Day of the National Anthem of Ukraine, one of the main symbols of national identity. The history of the song “Ukraine has not yet died” goes back more than a century and a half and is closely linked to the struggle for independence. Learn more about the history of the anthem, interesting facts about it, and the significance of this symbol for Ukrainians today

Order Visit Ukraine branded merchandise and support Ukraine (worldwide delivery)

ORDER

The national anthem is one of the most important symbols of any country. Together with the flag and coat of arms, it embodies the history, struggle for freedom and national identity of the people. For Ukraine, the song “Ukraine Has Not Yet Died” has a special meaning, as it has been inspiring Ukrainians in the most difficult moments of history for more than a century and a half.

The words, written by the poet Pavlo Chubynsky in the 19th century, quickly became a symbol of the Ukrainian national movement, and the music by composer Mykhailo Verbytsky made the work famous far beyond Ukraine. Over time, the song became the national anthem of an independent country and an important part of its cultural heritage.

Today, the Ukrainian anthem is played during public holidays, international sporting events, and important historical moments. It is performed both in Ukraine and in different parts of the world where Ukrainians live. That is why the National Anthem Day is not only an opportunity to recall the history of the song, but also an opportunity to emphasize its importance for modern society.

In our previous article, we described how Ukraine is turning its resources into an instrument of revival and international recognition.

When is the National Anthem Day of Ukraine celebrated?

The National Anthem Day of Ukraine is celebrated annually on March 10. This is a relatively new holiday that aims to recall the history of the anthem and emphasize the importance of one of the country's main state symbols.

The date was not chosen by chance. On March 10, 1865, the song “Ukraine Has Not Yet Died” was first publicly performed in Przemysl, Poland. The piece was performed during a concert dedicated to the memory of Ukrainian poet Taras Shevchenko. Subsequently, this song became a symbol of the national revival of Ukrainians.

Today, on this day, Ukraine hosts thematic events, cultural events, and educational initiatives dedicated to the history of the anthem. Schools and universities hold lessons about national symbols, and official events often feature a joint performance of the anthem.

For Ukrainians around the world, this holiday is also of great importance. Ukrainian communities abroad organize cultural events, flash mobs, and concerts to remind them of the importance of national symbols and to keep in touch with their native culture.

In our previous article on the fourth anniversary of the full-scale invasion, we described how Ukrainians commemorate the bloody events and tirelessly fight for their right to independence.

The history of the Ukrainian anthem

The history of Ukraine's national anthem dates back to 1862, when Ukrainian ethnographer and poet Pavlo Chubynsky wrote a poem that began with the words “Ukraine's glory and freedom have not yet died.” According to contemporaries, the text appeared during a meeting of Ukrainian intellectuals in Kyiv and quickly spread among patriotic communities.

Soon the poem found its way to western Ukraine, where it was seen by the Greek Catholic priest and composer Mykhailo Verbytskyi. It was he who wrote the music to the poem, turning it into a song that later became one of the most famous symbols of the Ukrainian national movement.

In the second half of the nineteenth century, the song began to be actively performed during cultural and social events. It quickly gained popularity among Ukrainians both in Ukraine and abroad. Even then, many perceived it as an unofficial national anthem.

After Ukraine declared its independence in 1991, the song “Ukraine has not yet died” gained a new status. In 2003, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine officially approved it as the National Anthem of Ukraine by adopting the law “On the National Anthem of Ukraine.” The document enshrines Mykhailo Verbytskyi's music and the first verse and chorus of Pavlo Chubynskyi's poem as the official text of the anthem.

Don't want to miss important updates and useful articles? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter!

Interesting facts about the anthem of Ukraine

For more than a century and a half, the song “Ukraine Has Not Yet Died” has become one of the most famous symbols of Ukrainian statehood. The history of the anthem contains many interesting facts that show how this work has gradually become an important part of the national culture.

1. The song appeared in the nineteenth century. The lyrics were written in 1862 by Pavlo Chubynsky, and the music was composed by Mykhailo Verbytsky a little later.

2. The anthem has several versions of the text. In different historical periods, the lyrics changed slightly, and after the restoration of Ukraine's independence, the first verse and chorus were officially approved.

3. The song has long been an unofficial anthem. In the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, it was performed during cultural events, gatherings, and social activities, even when Ukraine did not have its own statehood.

4. The anthem received official status in 2003. It was then that the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine passed a law that enshrined the text and music of the national anthem.

5. The anthem of Ukraine is played at international events. It is performed during sporting events, diplomatic meetings and state ceremonies around the world.

Today, the national anthem of Ukraine is a symbol of the unity and invincibility of the Ukrainian people. Its words are well known to millions of people both in Ukraine and far beyond its borders.

In our previous article, we talked about the history of the approval of the National Flag of Ukraine.

Why is the Ukrainian anthem of particular importance today?

The national anthem is not just a solemn song performed during official ceremonies. For Ukrainians, it has become a symbol of the struggle for freedom, national dignity and unity. The words “Ukraine's glory and freedom have not yet died” have inspired people in difficult historical periods and reminded them of their desire for independence.

The anthem acquired a particularly strong symbolic meaning in the twenty-first century. It has been performed during mass civil protests, state events, sporting events, and cultural festivals. At various points in history, the anthem has united people, helped to keep faith in the future, and emphasized the common identity of Ukrainians.

Today, the anthem is performed not only in Ukraine but also in many countries around the world. Ukrainian communities abroad perform it during cultural events, charity events, and international events. This once again shows that state symbols can unite people no matter where they live.

That is why the National Anthem Day is an opportunity to remember the history of this song and realize the role it plays in the country's modern life.

To learn more about the results of the Gradus study “Ukraine 2035: Strength, Vulnerability and Potential of the Country”, please follow the link.

How to support Ukrainian symbols and culture?

State symbols play an important role in shaping national identity and remind us of the country's history and values. That's why Ukrainian symbols are actively used today not only during official events, but also in everyday life: in the form of clothing, souvenirs, and various accessories with national colors or a trident.

The Visit Ukraine platform offers a variety of Ukrainian merchandise with national symbols: from souvenirs to stylish accessories. Such items help popularize Ukrainian culture around the world and support the country at the same time.

Honor the heroes of the past and support those who defend Ukraine today - purchase patriotic merchandise at Visit Ukraine!

We remind you! Ukraine is undergoing a moment of rethinking itself — a country that defends freedom while opening its culture, nature, and history to the world as a source of inspiration and strength. From art to sustainable tourism, every direction is becoming part of the global conversation about modern identity and development. Read more about how Ukraine is transforming its resources into a tool for revival and international recognition.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

We recommend purchasing it for a safe and comfortable trip to Ukraine: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance – insurance covering military risks for entry and travel in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Car Insurance – car insurance with extended coverage in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Legal Advice – comprehensive legal support on entry to Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Tickets – bus and train tickets to/from Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Tours – the largest online database of tours to Ukraine for every taste;

Visit Ukraine Hotels – hotels for a comfortable stay in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Merch – patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.

© 2018-2026, Visit Ukraine. Use, copying or reprinting of materials on this site is permitted only with a link (hyperlink for online publications) to Visit Ukraine.

All rights reserved.