Russia Public Holidays

Russia Public Holidays

Searching for the national holidays in Russia? All public holidays in Russia are treated like Sundays. This means that most of the Russia employees have a day off and all schools are closed on these office holidays. If you are planning a trip to Russia and want to know what the national and regional holidays are, check the details in the tables below.

Russia, a vast country with a rich cultural and historical heritage, celebrates a wide range of public holidays throughout the year. These holidays reflect the country’s complex history, from its imperial past through the Soviet era to the present Russian Federation. Russia’s public holidays include a mix of religious observances, historical commemorations, and cultural celebrations, each holding significant importance to the Russian people. These holidays provide time for reflection, patriotism, and family gatherings.

National Public Holidays

1. New Year’s Day (January 1st)

According to photionary.com, New Year’s Day is the most widely celebrated holiday in Russia, marking the start of the calendar year.

Significance

• New Year’s Day is seen as a time for fresh beginnings, hope, and celebration.
• The holiday carries over from the Soviet era, when it became more prominent than Christmas due to the secular nature of the state.

Celebrations

• Families and friends gather for large meals, often featuring Russian staples like Olivier salad and shuba (herring under a fur coat).
• At midnight, fireworks light up the sky, and many Russians celebrate with champagne.
• The New Year’s tree, called a yolka, is traditionally decorated and remains up throughout the holiday season.
• Grandfather Frost (Ded Moroz) and his granddaughter, the Snow Maiden (Snegurochka), bring gifts to children, much like the Western Santa Claus.

2. New Year Holiday Week (January 1st to January 8th)

Following New Year’s Day, Russia celebrates a week-long holiday, which includes Orthodox Christmas. The New Year holiday week is a time for relaxation and family gatherings.

Significance

• This extended holiday allows Russians to celebrate both the secular New Year and the religious Orthodox Christmas.
• It provides a break from work, encouraging time with family and loved ones.

Celebrations

• Russians spend time visiting family, friends, and taking part in festive activities like ice skating and attending winter fairs.
• Many Russians use this time to travel, both domestically and internationally.

3. Defender of the Fatherland Day (February 23rd)

Defender of the Fatherland Day is a national holiday that honors Russia’s military personnel and veterans. It is also commonly celebrated as a day to appreciate men in general, similar to Father’s Day.

Significance

• Originally a Soviet holiday celebrating the Red Army, it has evolved into a broader celebration of men’s contributions to society, particularly in defense roles.
• The holiday honors current military personnel, veterans, and anyone who has served the country.

Celebrations

• Military parades and ceremonies are held in cities across Russia, with Moscow hosting the largest.
• Families often give gifts to the men in their lives, including fathers, husbands, and brothers.
• Government officials deliver speeches that highlight the importance of national defense and honor those who protect the country.

4. International Women’s Day (March 8th)

International Women’s Day is a major public holiday in Russia, celebrating women’s achievements and contributions to society.

Significance

• Originally a socialist holiday promoting women’s rights and equality, it is now widely celebrated as a day to honor women.
• The day highlights the importance of gender equality, while also being a time for men to show appreciation for the women in their lives.

Celebrations

• Women receive gifts such as flowers, chocolates, and cards from family members, friends, and colleagues.
• Special events, including concerts, exhibitions, and speeches, are held to honor women’s achievements in various fields.
• Many workplaces hold celebrations for their female employees, and schools often organize events where students present gifts to female teachers.

5. Spring and Labor Day (May 1st)

Spring and Labor Day, also known as International Workers’ Day or May Day, is a public holiday that celebrates the rights of workers and the arrival of spring.

Significance

• Rooted in Soviet history, May Day was originally a celebration of labor and workers’ rights, tied to the global workers’ movement.
• Today, it is also a day for celebrating the arrival of spring and spending time with family.

Celebrations

• In the Soviet era, May Day was marked by large parades and demonstrations in support of workers. While these have decreased, some smaller gatherings still take place.
• Families use the day for picnics, walks in parks, and enjoying the outdoors as the weather warms up.
• In some regions, local festivals and community events are organized to welcome spring.

6. Victory Day (May 9th)

Victory Day is one of the most significant holidays in Russia, commemorating the Soviet Union’s victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.

Significance

• Honors the sacrifices made by Soviet soldiers and citizens during World War II, known in Russia as the Great Patriotic War.
• A deeply patriotic holiday that reflects on the resilience and bravery of the Russian people during the war.

Celebrations

• Military parades are held in cities across Russia, with the largest taking place in Moscow’s Red Square, featuring soldiers, tanks, and aircraft.
• Veterans participate in the Immortal Regiment marches, where citizens carry portraits of family members who fought in the war.
• Speeches by political leaders emphasize the importance of peace, remembrance, and national pride.
• Fireworks displays and concerts take place in the evening, while families gather to share stories and memories of the war.

7. Russia Day (June 12th)

Russia Day marks the declaration of Russian sovereignty from the Soviet Union in 1990, making it one of the country’s youngest national holidays.

Significance

• Celebrates the establishment of the Russian Federation as an independent state following the dissolution of the Soviet Union.
• A day of national pride, highlighting Russia’s achievements and aspirations as a sovereign nation.

Celebrations

• Official events include speeches by government officials, flag-raising ceremonies, and concerts in major cities.
• In Moscow, large gatherings take place at Red Square and other central locations, with cultural performances and fireworks displays.
• Many Russians take the opportunity to relax, spending time with family, attending outdoor events, or taking short trips.

8. Unity Day (November 4th)

Unity Day, also known as National Unity Day, celebrates the end of foreign occupation in 1612 during the Time of Troubles, when Russian forces expelled Polish invaders from Moscow.

Significance

• Commemorates the historical unity of the Russian people in defending their homeland.
• The holiday was reintroduced in 2005 to replace the Soviet-era Revolution Day (November 7th) and to promote national unity and patriotism.

Celebrations

• Official ceremonies and public events, such as parades and speeches, are held to celebrate national unity.
• Cultural and historical exhibitions are organized to educate the public about the significance of the day.
• In some cities, religious processions and services are held, particularly by the Russian Orthodox Church.

Religious Public Holidays

9. Orthodox Christmas Day (January 7th)

Orthodox Christmas is celebrated on January 7th, following the Julian calendar used by the Russian Orthodox Church.

Significance

• Celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ, a central event in the Christian faith.
• Although Christmas is less commercialized than New Year’s in Russia, it holds deep religious significance for Orthodox Christians.

Observances

• Many Russians attend Christmas Eve services at Orthodox churches, where traditional hymns are sung, and special prayers are offered.
• Families gather for a festive meal after the Christmas fast, with traditional dishes such as kutya (a sweet wheat porridge) and borscht.
• Christmas trees and nativity scenes are displayed in homes and churches.

10. Orthodox Easter (Varies)

Orthodox Easter is the most important religious holiday in Russia, celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Significance

• A joyful holiday that symbolizes the victory of life over death and the hope of eternal life in Christian belief.
• It is preceded by Lent, a period of fasting and spiritual reflection.

Celebrations

• The night before Easter, many Russians attend midnight church services, where the resurrection of Christ is proclaimed.
• The traditional Easter greeting is exchanged: “Khristos Voskrese!” (Christ is Risen), with the response, “Voistinu Voskrese!” (Indeed, He is Risen).
• Families celebrate with special foods, including kulich (a sweet bread) and paskha (a cheesecake dessert), and brightly colored eggs are exchanged and eaten.