Holiday on September 18, 2026 — Mirgorod Day: History, Traditions, and Interesting Facts
For many years, September 18 has been a special date for Myrhorod—on this day, the city celebrated City Day and commemorated the events of 1943, when it was liberated from Nazi occupation. For residents, this is not only a festive occasion but also a day of remembrance that links the city’s history to the lives of the people who lived, worked, and defended it.
September 18 became a special date for Myrhorod because of the events of World War II. It was on this day in 1943 that Soviet troops entered the city and liberated it from Nazi occupation. According to the official website of the Myrhorod City Council, units of the 93rd and 373rd Rifle Divisions took part in the liberation of the city. The advance on Myrhorod began in the morning, and by midday the troops had entered the city.
The following day, September 19, 1943, the 93rd and 373rd Rifle Divisions were awarded the honorary designation “Mirgorod” for their combat actions during the liberation of Mirgorod. This event has forever remained a part of the city’s history. Local residents viewed September 18 not only as Liberation Day but also as a sort of second birthday for Myrhorod. It was around this historic date that the tradition of celebrating City Day eventually took shape. For many years, official documents from the Myrhorod City Council referred to September 18 as the community’s main holiday. In 2015, city officials explicitly stated that, following the city’s liberation, this date had become Myrhorod’s official birthday.
What Is Mirhorod Like?
Mirgorod is a city in the Poltava region, located on the banks of the Khorol River. It is known not only for its history but also for its resort, mineral water, architecture, and connection to the writer Nikolai Gogol. Mirgorod’s history spans several centuries. The city is mentioned in historical documents dating back to the 16th century and later became one of the important centers of the Cossack region. The Mirgorod Regiment was part of the Hetmanate, and the city itself played a prominent role in the life of the region for a long time.
Nikolai Gogol holds a special place in the history of Myrhorod. The writer has ties to the Poltava region, and he used the name Myrhorod in his famous collection *Myrhorod*, which was published in 1835. For this reason, the city is often cited as one of the places associated with Gogol’s cultural legacy.
Mirgorod as a Resort Town
One of the city’s main features is its history as a resort. The Mirgorod resort began to take shape in the early 20th century thanks to its mineral water. In 1912, while drilling a well in Mirgorod, water was discovered that was initially intended for the city’s water supply. However, tests revealed that it possessed the properties of mineral water. Doctor and Mayor Ivan Zubkovsky played a significant role in the development of this sector, advocating for research and the establishment of a resort.
The first medical facility with baths began operating in the spring of 1917. Since then, Myrhorod has gradually transformed into a well-known resort center. Today, the city’s name is firmly associated with mineral water and health resort vacations. The Mirgorod resort has become one of the city’s hallmarks. People from various regions of Ukraine used to come to Mirgorod to relax, improve their health, and spend time by the water and in the parks.
What to See in Mirgorod
The city has preserved many historic buildings and landmarks. Among them are structures from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including the former gymnasium building, the House of the Nobility, the building of the ceramics technical school, and other historic sites. An important part of the city’s landscape is Gogol Street and the resort area. Here you can see monuments to famous figures associated with Myrhorod and the Poltava region.
Monuments dedicated to events of World War II hold a special place. In particular, the city has an obelisk honoring the soldiers of the 93rd and 373rd Rifle Divisions, who liberated Myrhorod on September 18, 1943.
How City Day Was Celebrated in the Past
Before the full-scale war, City Day in Myrhorod was traditionally accompanied by a variety of cultural and entertainment events. The program could last several days and included concerts, exhibitions, fairs, workshops, children’s activities, and sporting events. For example, on September 18, 2021, a wreath-laying ceremony was held in the Square of Glory to mark the anniversary of the liberation of the Myrhorod region. The central square hosted art events, a photo exhibition, exhibitions by masters of decorative and applied arts, and workshops. Concerts by local artistic groups and the “Miss Kapelyushok” pageant were also scheduled.
The next day, the program continued with a baby stroller parade, an awards ceremony for contest winners, the “Mirgorod—City of Peace Unites Friends” festival of national cultures, concerts, and other entertainment. Festive photo zones, food vendors, and children’s attractions were open. Thus, City Day turned into a grand family celebration enjoyed by residents of all ages.
How City Day Is Celebrated During Wartime
After the start of the full-scale invasion, the format of the celebrations changed. Large-scale entertainment events in Myrhorod were either canceled or significantly restricted due to security concerns. In 2022, on City Day, government officials, military personnel, law enforcement officers, and members of the public gathered for a ceremony in Cossack Glory Square. The Ukrainian national flag was raised on the main flagpole, and those present honored the memory of the fallen with a moment of silence and laid flowers at the monument to the fallen Cossacks.
In 2023 and 2024, city officials also emphasized that, due to the war, Myrhorod could not celebrate City Day as it had in the past. The holiday was observed primarily as a day of remembrance, gratitude to the defenders, and community unity. In 2025, the city council also announced that there would be no large-scale celebrations. Instead, September 18 became an occasion to reflect on the city’s history, thank the military, and honor the fallen.
Interesting Facts About Myrhorod
The city is associated with Nikolai Gogol. The name “Mirgorod” became the title of the writer’s famous collection *Mirgorod*, which includes several of his works.
Mirgorod has long-standing Cossack traditions. In the past, the city was the center of the Mirgorod Cossack Regiment, which left a significant mark on its history and symbolism.
The city is known for its mineral water. It is thanks to the healing properties of the local water that Mirgorod has become one of Ukraine’s most famous resorts.
September 18, 1943, was a turning point for the city. It was on that day that Myrhorod was liberated from Nazi occupation, and two rifle divisions were given the honorary designation “Myrhorod.”
City Day was linked to the memory of the liberation. Therefore, festive events have traditionally been combined with laying flowers and honoring the fallen.
Mirgorod City Day, September 18
For the people of Myrhorod, September 18 is a date that brings together history, remembrance, and love for their hometown. Over the years, this day has taken various forms: from large concerts, exhibitions, and festivals to more subdued ceremonies during wartime.
The main significance of the date remains tied to the memory of those who defended Myrhorod during World War II and to the people who developed the city in peacetime. Today, for its residents, Myrhorod Day is, above all, an opportunity to reflect on history, honor the fallen, and support those who are defending Ukraine.
