Spring
It gets warmer in Ukraine rather early — during the last days of winter. However, our country is very large so the climate differs. While in the cities people don't wear coats, there is still snow and storms in the Carpathian Mountains. Although the water is still cool, you can already swim and sunbathe at the seaside.
Spring has many folk and religious festivals — fun and exciting carnivals where dishes of national cuisine are served. During spring festivals, girls sing special songs — Vesniankas and Hayivkas. You can join the celebration in Pyrohiv Folk Museum in the suburbs of Kyiv, or by visiting the Ukrainian countryside. Also, in spring, Ukrainians celebrate Easter.
It starts a week before Easter with the Palm Sunday — Christians take willow branches to the church to bless and decorate their houses with them. When preparing for Easter, women bake special Easter bread. The symbols of Easter in Ukraine are Pysankas and Krashankas — eggs painted with patterns and ornaments. Sometimes, they are real masterpieces of folk art. In the town of Kolomyia, there is Pysanka Museum, where there are Pysankas from all over the world.
In late May, make sure you come to Kyiv — the Day of Kyiv is celebrated for the whole week. There are many concerts and shows.
As soon as there is high water, extreme sports lovers take off skis and snowboards, and head towards mountain rivers. The best places for rafting are in Western Ukraine. It is a serious challenge to master rapid flow of the mountain rivers of Cheremosh and Prut. You will also discover unique Hutsul culture admired by kings and emperors of all ages. Rafting is more relaxed on the Dniester River, though.
When it gets warmer — welcome to the Crimea and the Carpathians. Once cycling or hiking, you will see the untouched beauty of the Ukrainian nature — it is amazing.
