About Russia

Background
To write a brief story of the Russian Federation is nearly impossible.  This country has far too rich a history to do it justice. We recommend you look for a site specifically devoted to the culture and history of this great and immense country.

National Holidays in the Russian Federation
Holidays come in opposites: old and new, unofficial & official, private & public, secular & religious.  However, no matter how or what, all occasions make for a great celebration.

Holidays (Chronological)
1-5 January  New Year Holidays
7 January Christmas (Russian Orthodox)
23 February Protector of Motherland Day (Men's Day)
8 March International Women's Day
1 May Spring & Labour Day
9 May Victory Day (Over Germany WWII)
12 June Day of Russia
1 September First Day of School
4 November Day of National Unity
10 November Day of Militsiya
  • New Year is first on the calendar and in favour. Many people celebrate this holiday twice, on 1 & 14 January (14th because this is 1 January on the old Julian calendar used before 1918.)
  • 23 February: formerly known until as Soviet Army Day, seen as a holiday for all men.
  • 8 March: Women's Day, a day when women receive flowers, presents and many toasts from men.  (Never forget this holiday!)
  • 1 May: Mayday, formerly International Workers' Solidarity Day, is now Spring and Labour Day. On some years, it occurs on or close to with Russian Orthodox Easter, so some people celebrate in church while some attend customary demonstrations.
  • 9 May: Russia celebrates Victory Day to commemorate the millions fallen in World War II. Flowers and wreaths are laid on wartime graves on this day, and veterans come out into the streets wearing their military orders and medals. Alas, there are fewer of them with every passing year.
  • 12 June: Russia's Independence Day, which commemorates the adoption in 1991 of the Declaration of Sovereignty of the Russian Federation.
  • 1 September: First Day of School. Parents dress their children in their best suits and send them to school with beautiful bouquets of flowers for their teacher.  It is a beautiful day and exciting day.
  • 4 November.  Day of the National Unity.  This is the Russian Federation's newest holiday.
Interestingly, church feasts have been reborn. Easter is celebrated nationwide, as of old, and Christmas became a day off. Muslims, Jews and Buddhists also celebrate their feasts without fear of secular authorities.