Unity Day is observed in Ukraine every January 22 to commemorate the signing of the Unification Act in 1919, which led to the creation of a unified Ukrainian state. This day marks the historical moment when the Ukrainian People's Republic and the West Ukrainian People's Republic came together, following the dissolution of the Russian and Austro-Hungarian Empires. Although it is an official observance, it is not a public holiday. Typical customs include raising the state flag of Ukraine and creating human chains across bridges as a symbol of national unity. Concerts are often held, and some individuals use the occasion to organize political demonstrations or protests. The holiday was first established by President Leonid Kuchma in 1999 and has undergone several name changes since then, reflecting its significance in the context of Ukraine's national identity.