What is celebrated on June 24 in Ukraine and the world

This day is one of the brightest, most important, and most mystical summer holidays for Ukrainians, as due to the transition to the new church calendar, the date of celebration of one of the greatest Christian and folk holidays has finally been fixed for June 24, writes UNN.

Ivan Kupala Day

According to the new calendar, this ancient and deeply symbolic Ukrainian holiday now officially falls on June 24 (previously it was celebrated on July 7). It is the day of the summer solstice, a combination of pagan traditions of honoring nature and Christian faith. Traditionally, on this day, it is customary to bathe in bodies of water (it is believed that water cleanses from all evil), jump over the Kupala bonfire, sing ritual songs, and for girls — to float wreaths on the water.

International Fairy Day

 A fairy-tale and bright holiday dedicated to mythological creatures from the folklore of many peoples of the world. This is a wonderful occasion for parents to read fairy tales to children, organize a themed costume party, or simply allow themselves to believe a little in miracles.

Swim a Lap Day

A sports and health holiday that perfectly combines with the Kupala traditions of this day. It calls on people of all ages to engage in swimming, which is one of the most beneficial types of physical activity for strengthening the cardiovascular system and muscles.

National Praline Day

 A gastronomic holiday honoring the famous dessert made from ground almonds fried in sugar. Praline has become the basis for countless candies and confectionery masterpieces around the world.

Nativity of the Honorable Glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist of the Lord John

 According to the new (New Julian) calendar, which the OCU and UGCC have adopted, the birth of John the Baptist — the most prominent prophet who baptized Jesus Christ in the waters of the Jordan — is celebrated on this day. This is one of the few holidays in the church calendar when the saint's birthday is celebrated, rather than the day of his death (except for the Savior and the Mother of God).

Wednesday of Peter's Fast (Apostles' Fast)

Although Wednesday is traditionally a day of strict fasting, in honor of the great feast of the Nativity of John the Forerunner, the church rule provides for a significant relaxation. The faithful are allowed to eat fish, seafood, hot food with vegetable oil, as well as wine. For those who follow the old (Julian) calendar: June 24 commemorates the memory of the holy apostles Bartholomew and Barnabas.