Ukrainian Borscht Day is celebrated worldwide on the second Saturday of September to honor one of the most iconic dishes of Ukrainian cuisine, borscht. Although not officially recognized as a holiday in Ukraine, it is widely observed both in Ukraine and among Ukrainians abroad. The celebration was initiated in 2021 by Ukrainian chef Yevhen Klopotenko, who has campaigned for borscht to be recognized as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO, achieving this status in 2023. Traditional Ukrainian borscht is primarily made with red beetroot, alongside ingredients like cabbage, potatoes, and meat stock, and is often garnished with sour cream. Events associated with Ukrainian Borscht Day include food festivals and borscht cooking competitions, reflecting the diverse regional recipes that can include up to 20 different ingredients. The day serves as a cultural observance to celebrate the rich culinary heritage of Ukraine.