September 5, 2926 — Sumy City Day: From a Cossack Settlement to the Present Day
On Saturday, September 5, 2026, Sumy will celebrate City Day. Traditionally, it is held on the first Saturday of September, and the city’s origins are linked to the settlement of Cossack migrants led by Gerasim Kondratyev in 1655. At the same time, historians emphasize that this date is more of a tradition, as there is no exact date for the founding of Sumy.
Sumy City Day falls on the first Saturday of September every year. In 2026, this will be September 5. This specific date is enshrined in the Charter of the Sumy City Territorial Community. However, City Day should not be confused with the Day of Sumy’s Liberation from Nazi invaders. The latter is celebrated on September 2, as it was on this day in 1943 that Soviet troops drove Nazi forces out of the city. Previously, these two events were effectively combined into a single celebration, which led to confusion regarding the date of City Day. Sumy historians now explicitly emphasize that these are different dates and different historical events.
In 2024, the city council again debated whether to change the date of City Day. Among the options mentioned was June 25—the date associated with the first historical written mention of the city. However, in the end, they decided to keep the current tradition—the first Saturday in September. Therefore, September 5, 2026, is Sumy City Day, but it is not the exact historical date of the city’s founding.
How Sumy Came to Be
The history of Sumy begins in the mid-17th century. The city’s founding is linked to the resettlement of people from Right-Bank Ukraine to the lands of Slobozhanshchyna. This process took place against the backdrop of the liberation war led by Bohdan Khmelnytsky. In 1655, settlers from the Kyiv region arrived in what is now Sumy. They were led by the Cossack and future colonel Gerasim Kondratyev. In their new home, they began to establish a settlement and build defensive structures. It is this resettlement that city authorities and historical sources associate with the beginning of modern Sumy’s history.
However, various sources cite several different years for the city’s founding—1651, 1652, 1653, and 1655. The Sumy City Council considers 1655 the most likely date. At the same time, local historians note that it is difficult to pinpoint a single date that could be called the city’s “birthday.” That is why the current date of celebration is separate from the debate over the exact date of the city’s founding.
Where Did the Name “Sumy” Come From?
There are several theories regarding the origin of the city’s name. The most common explanation links it to the local rivers Sum and Sumka. They flow into the Psol, and it was likely the names of these waterways that gave the settlement its name. There is another version—the name is linked to the word “sumuvaty” (to grieve). According to this theory, it may have reflected the emotions of people who left their homeland and moved to a new place.
But the best-known story is the legend of the three bags of money. According to the legend, settlers found three hunting bags filled with coins near the spot where the Sumka River flows into the Psell. It was this legend that later became part of the city’s symbolism.
Interestingly, this story is even depicted on Sumy’s coat of arms. In 1781, the government approved a coat of arms featuring three bags on the shield. Their image could later be seen on various elements of the urban landscape—from decorative railings to manhole covers and other details in the old part of the city. And in the center of Sumy, there is also a modern reminder of this legend—the symbolic “Bag” monument.
Why City Day Falls in September
There’s an interesting story behind this. Sumy does not have a definitive founding date that could simply be turned into an annual city holiday. Because of this, the date of City Day has changed over the years. According to local historians, in the early years of independence, the celebration was tied to other historical dates. In 2003, City Day was moved to September 2—the date of Sumy’s liberation from Nazi forces in 1943. Thus, City Day effectively became associated with an event from World War II.
Later, this practice was abandoned. City Day was set for the first Saturday in September, while Liberation Day remained a separate commemorative date—September 2. Sumy historians now suggest not mixing these events. Dmytro Kudinov, in particular, believes that Liberation Day and City Day should be considered separately. Thus, today’s City Day in September is, first and foremost, an opportunity to talk about Sumy itself—its history, culture, and people—rather than a specific military event.
How Sumy Celebrated in the Past
Before the full-scale war, City Day was one of the city’s biggest holidays. Concerts, exhibitions, festivals, fairs, and various cultural events were held in downtown Sumy. The celebrations weren’t limited to a single stage. Various events took place at several locations throughout the city, so throughout the day, people could literally move from one event to another. Workshops and entertainment were organized for children, while concerts, exhibitions, and themed events were held for adults.
For example, in 2021, the main program for City Day spanned several days. Events included exhibitions, cultural programs, and a festive concert on Independence Square. Sumy also hosted unique city-wide events. One example was a costumed paddleboard ride down the Psel River, organized for City Day. Participants were asked to wear bright or carnival-style clothing, and the event raised funds to support the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Such events clearly demonstrate that Sumy’s celebrations have long gone beyond the scope of a typical concert. For residents, this is an opportunity to spend time together, see familiar places in a new light, and support local cultural and charitable initiatives.
How City Day Is Celebrated During the War
Full-scale war has drastically changed the format of the celebration. Due to Sumy’s proximity to the Russian border and constant shelling, holding large public gatherings is dangerous. Therefore, in recent years, city authorities have opted against large-scale celebrations. Instead, residents are offered smaller events at various locations. In 2025, for example, the program included exhibitions, workshops, tours, concerts, photo zones, a craft fair, and charitable initiatives.
Events related to the city’s history hold a special place. Guided tours of central Sumy offer the chance to learn more about the old buildings, architecture, and the people who shaped the city’s development. Another important part of the modern celebration is charity. During city events, fundraisers are organized for Ukrainian military personnel. In 2025, for example, money was collected at various locations to pay for repairs and tires for a vehicle belonging to the unmanned systems battalion.
As a result, City Day in Sumy has become significantly more subdued during the war. It no longer has the same scale as before, but the main idea remains—to show that the city is alive, growing, and supporting its people.
Sumy has its own artistic atmosphere
Culture is an important part of city life. Sumy regularly hosts exhibitions, concerts, festivals, workshops, and other artistic events. A prime example is the Sumy Municipal Gallery, which opened specifically for City Day—on September 5, 2009. It was established to promote contemporary art and introduce residents to the works of Ukrainian artists. The gallery features paintings, graphic art, sculpture, ceramics, and photography, as well as contemporary art forms such as installations, performances, and video art.
Over the years, City Day has also featured street art projects, festivals, open-air exhibitions, and themed events. This has become one of the hallmarks of Sumy’s celebration. Therefore, for Sumy, City Day is not just an official date on the calendar. It is also an occasion to honor local artists, musicians, artisans, historians, and all the people who shape the city’s atmosphere.
Interesting Facts About Sumy
Sumy is located on the banks of the Psel River, and the city’s historic center is situated at the confluence of the Sum and Sumka Rivers. This geographical feature is one of the theories behind the city’s name.
In 1658, the Sumy Sloboda Cossack Regiment was formed here, led by Gerasim Kondratyev. He played an important role in the city’s subsequent development.
Another interesting fact is that the Kondratyev family is associated with the construction of one of Sumy’s oldest stone buildings. According to the city council, the city’s first stone structure—the Resurrection Church—was built with the assistance of Andriy, the son of Gerasim Kondratyev.
And the legendary three bags of coins are more than just a beautiful story. They have become part of the city’s coat of arms and a recognizable symbol of Sumy.
Another modern feature is that the city even has its own 3D tour. It was created in 2017 as part of a participatory budgeting project. The virtual tour allows visitors to explore popular sites in Sumy and learn more about their history.
What City Day Means for Sumy
Today, Sumy City Day is, above all, an opportunity to reflect on the history and the people who shaped the city over the centuries. Its history began with settlers who arrived here in the mid-17th century and began building a new settlement. Over time, Sumy became an important center of the Slobozhanshchyna region, and the city gradually developed its own character and cultural traditions.
Over the years of independence, City Day has become a major citywide event featuring concerts, exhibitions, festivals, and other activities. The war changed the format of the celebration, but it did not take away the tradition itself. In 2026, Sumy will once again celebrate City Day on September 5. This time, it is not just an occasion for a festive program, but an opportunity to once again reflect on the city’s history, its symbols, and the people who continue to live and work here despite the war.
And although historians still debate exactly which date should be considered Sumy’s founding day, one thing remains unchanged: the first Saturday in September has become the day when residents traditionally celebrate their city.
