On November 21, Ukraine celebrates the national holiday – Day of Dignity and Freedom (Ukrainian). Freedom Day), established by Decree of the President of the country № 872/2014 of November 13, 2014. This day, according to the text of the document, should contribute to the establishment of the principles of freedom and democracy.
The history of the holiday dates back to 2005, when President Viktor Yushchenko, who was in power in Ukraine, established a holiday called «Freedom Day», setting November 22 as the date for its celebration. That holiday was established in memory of the «Orange Revolution», which began on November 22, 2004. The establishment and celebration of this day was supposed, in the opinion of the state authorities, to promote and strengthen the ideals of freedom, democratic principles, as well as the gains of the Orange Revolution. In addition, the establishment of a new holiday was supposed to emphasize the importance of the events of November 2004 for the historical fate of Ukraine.
In 2011, the next President of Ukraine, Viktor Yanukovych, canceled the Decree of the previous head of state and established a new holiday: «Day of Unity and Freedom». This holiday was celebrated on January 22 and united two holidays that existed until that moment: «Ukrainian Unity Day» and «Freedom Day». But already in 2014, the new President of Ukraine Poroshenko canceled the Yanukovych Decree, restoring the «Day of Unity of Ukraine» and establishing the «Day of Dignity and Freedom».
The date of the holiday shifted from November 22 to a day earlier due to the fact that the new holiday is focused not only on the events of the «Orange Revolution» of 2004, but, first of all, on the start date of the events of 2013, which entered the political history of Ukraine under the name «Revolution of Dignity», otherwise known as Euromaidan.
Then, on November 21, 2013, on the main square of Kyiv, called Independence Square (Maidan Independence), rallies began against the suspension of the signing of the Association Agreement between Ukraine and the European Union. These rallies grew into an armed confrontation between opponents and supporters of the policies of President Yanukovych. These political events led to a change of power in Ukraine.
On this day, events, rallies, as well as actions dedicated to the events of Euromaidan take place in the country.