Every fourth Saturday of November, Ukraine honors the memory of the victims of the Holodomor and the mass famines of the 20th century. In 2025, the Day of Remembrance falls on November 22.
Ukraine observes the Day of Remembrance for the victims of the Holodomors — a national day of mourning dedicated to millions of Ukrainians who perished during the Holodomor of 1932–1933, as well as during the man-made famines of 1921–1923 and 1946–1947. The date traditionally falls on the fourth Saturday of November.
The Holodomor of 1932–1933 is regarded as one of the gravest crimes committed by the Soviet totalitarian regime against the Ukrainian people. Forced collectivization, mass grain requisitions, the prohibition on peasants leaving famine-stricken regions, and repressions against those who resisted led to the deaths of millions. Historians emphasize that these actions were deliberate and aimed at suppressing Ukrainian identity and national resistance.
The man-made famines of 1921–1923 and 1946–1947 were also the result of repressive Soviet policies and caused extensive human losses, forming a shared historical memory of crimes committed against Ukrainians.
A traditional element of the Day of Remembrance is the nationwide campaign “Light a Candle”. At 4 p.m., Ukrainians place lit candles in their windows — in memory of the victims and as a symbol of unity in honoring millions whose lives were destroyed by the Holodomor. Communities across Ukraine and around the world join the campaign, underscoring the importance of preserving historical truth and honoring the victims.