Independence Square, Kyiv

Independence Square, Kyiv (Ukraine)

Maidan Nezalezhnosti literally Independence Square is the central square of Kyiv the capital city of Ukraine. One of the citys main squares it is located on Khreshchatyk Street in the Shevchenko Raion. The square has been known under many different names but often it is called simply Maidan (square). In the 19th century the square contained buildings of the city council and noble assembly.Since the start of Ukraines independence movement in 1990 the square has been the traditional place for political rallies including four large-scale radical protest campaigns the 1990 student Revolution on Granite the 2001 Ukraine without Kuchma the 2004 Orange Revolution and the 201314 Euromaidan. Maidan is also a regular site for non-political displays and events however since 2014 most of them were moved to Sofiyivska Square or elsewhere because making entertainment on a place where people were killed during Euromaidan was considered inappropriate. Most notably Christmas Fairs and New Year celebrations were moved to Sofiyivska Square.