Celebrating Father's Day 2025 in Ukraine: Date, traditions, and history
When Father’s Day is celebrated in Ukraine (photo: Getty Images)
In Ukraine, Father's Day is celebrated in June. While this holiday is not yet as popular as Mother's Day, it is steadily gaining momentum. It is meant to honor fathers who actively participate in raising their children, support their families, and serve as an important source of strength in a child's life. Here's when Father's Day is celebrated in Ukraine in 2025, the history of the holiday, and how it is traditionally observed.
When is Father's Day celebrated in Ukraine?
In 2025, Father's Day in Ukraine falls on Sunday, June 15. This holiday is observed annually on the third Sunday of June and has official status — the Cabinet of Ministers made it official in 2019.
While countries like the US, Canada, and those in the EU have been celebrating Father's Day for over 100 years, in Ukraine, it appeared relatively recently. However, more and more Ukrainians are embracing this tradition each year.
How the holiday originated
The idea of honoring fathers originated in the early 20th century in the United States. It was proposed by Sonora Smart Dodd, the daughter of a Civil War veteran who raised six children alone. She suggested establishing a separate day to thank men who conscientiously fulfill the role of a father.
The first Father's Day was held in 1910 in Spokane, Washington. It wasn't until 1966 that the holiday received official national recognition in the US — President Lyndon Johnson proclaimed the third Sunday of June as Father's Day. Ukraine officially joined the initiative in June 2019.
Traditions of celebrating Father's Day
There are no firmly established traditions for this holiday in Ukraine yet, but based on customs in other countries, people can celebrate it in the following ways:
- Spend time with your father: visit him, call him, or spend the day together
- Give a symbolic gift: not something expensive, but something with emotional value
- Plan an activity together: a walk, fishing, dinner, or a trip
- Say thank you: even a simple "thank you" can be remembered for years
More and more schools, kindergartens, and local communities organize themed events such as drawings, exhibitions, and father-child sports competitions.
It's also important to congratulate not only biological fathers on this day, but all men who hold a fatherly role, including:
- Grandfathers
- Stepfathers
- Guardians
- Godfathers
- Older brothers
- Other men who take responsibility for raising children
Why this holiday matters
In today's world, the father's role is no longer just symbolic. He is not merely the "second adult in the family" but an active participant in parenting. Recognizing this role at the state level supports responsible fatherhood, equal partnership, and the development of a healthy society.
The holiday helps to break the stereotype of the father as only the breadwinner and not a nurturer, and it encourages men to be more involved in their children's lives.
This holiday has a specific meaning in Ukraine today, as many fathers defend the country on the frontlines, showing courage and bravery.
By the way, there is another date dedicated to all fathers—National Father's Day, which is observed on the third Sunday of September. In 2025, that will be September 21.
