Holidays

Holidays in Russia

With over 17 million square kilometers, Russia is the largest country in the world. The traveler who crosses Russia from west to east must overcome 9 time zones. Accordingly, the Russian holiday calendar is also diverse. However, there are only a few holidays that apply nationwide.

Overview

New Year and New Year’s Eve Holiday Week – January 1 – January 5

Russian Orthodox Christmas – January 7

Day of the Defender of the Fatherland – February 23

International Women’s Day – March 8

Spring and Labor Day – May 1

Victory Day – May 9

Russia Day – June 12

People’s Unity Day – November 4

Worth knowing about selected holidays

Russian Orthodox Christmas

Christmas in Russia begins as early as November 28 with a 40-day fast. Especially butter, eggs, meat, cheese and milk are to be abstained from. A typical Russian Lenten dish is the cabbage soup Shchi, which is then prepared not as usual with meat but with vegetable broth.

Fasting also continues on Christmas Eve, January 6. The end of Lent is marked by an hour-long service, which is particularly atmospheric with its chants and processions of lights. Christmas Day itself also begins with a church service and ends with a large feast in the family circle. There are no gifts at Christmas, as most Russians give themselves presents on New Year’s Eve.

Only since 1991 has the Russian Christmas on January 7 become an official holiday again. The holiday had initially been officially abolished after the October Revolution in 1917.

Day of the Defender of the Fatherland

This holiday is a relic from the days of the Soviet Union. Head of the government Vladimir Ilyich Lenin had decided in 1922 to give the soldiers of the Red Army a day off on February 23 each year. In the past, large parades were always held on this day. Today, however, February 23 has a new meaning and is celebrated in many places as Man’s Day. Many men use this day to celebrate in a wet and merry way.

Victory Day

On May 9, 1945, the unconditional surrender of the German Wehrmacht took place. This marked the end of the Second World War. In Moscow, a large annual military parade is held in front of the Kremlin on this day.

Russia Day

On June 12, 1990, Congress adopted the declaration of Russia’s state independence. Exactly one year later, the first free presidential elections were held. In many cities, June 12 is celebrated with festivals and fireworks.