Russian Holidays: National and Religious

Russian people have a passion for holidays and celebrations, the statement is true for national, religious and pagan rooted events.

National holidays:

New Year’s Day (the night of December 31 to January 1)

The most prominent holiday in Russia, performed with much eclat. You can’t imagine it without champagne, tangerines, Russian salad (so called Olivier), Ded Moroz (Santa’s counterpart), his granddaughter Snegurochka and breathtaking fireworks. Although it’s more family time, all the squares are full with people partying greatly, singing, dancing and saying wishes. With all the illumination it is impossible to be aside of this delight.

Defender of the Fatherland Day (February 23)

Originating from the Soviet Union Army days, this holiday is now treated more as the Day of Men regardless of their serving in the army. People watch topic-based concerts that are followed with outstanding fireworks.

International Women’s Day (March 8)

The day originally symbolized protection of women’s rights, but now it honours spring and femininity, turning the whole communities into flower shops.

Cosmonauts’ Day (April 12)

Although not a public Russian holiday, it commemorates the day when in 1961 Russian spaceship with Yuri Gagarin aboard successfully flew around the orbit of the Earth. Exhibitions, conferences, scientific films, visits to the planetarium and even the opportunity to try astronaut’s spacesuit evoke dreamy feelings.

Festival of Spring and Labour (May 1)

A great occasion for peaceful rallies, table-top sales, street parties, performances, picnics, dacha activities or just time with friends and family.

Victory Day (May 9)

The Russians pay tribute to those responsible for Victory in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945. Triumphant parade starts the celebration, displaying both military might and country loving spirit of the nation, the latter is also manifested by Immortal Regiment procession. The longest and the most dramatic fireworks culminate the greatest state event.

Russia Day (June 12)

One of the most recent holidays. People celebrate it with patriotic performances, concerts and amazing fireworks. Besides, award ceremony takes place in Klemlin.

National Unity Day (November 4)

All the country enjoys outdoor festivities, performances, sports events, rallies, and charity activities, with the heart and soul of the celebration in Nizhniy Novgorod and Moscow.

Major religious holidays:

Christmas (January 7)

Once initiating the great winter celebrations now it is the second best for common people though the most tremendous event for the faithful. Besides, some ladies curious about their future husbands, use the opportunity to read fortune.

Epiphany (January 19)

The event is marked with traditional bathing in an icy cold water, that is believed to be particularly pure and energizing with health for the whole year. Remarkably, no one has been down with a cold after such a dip yet.

Easter

Easter is the most joyful holiday of the church calendar, which symbolizes the renewal and salvation of the world and man, the triumph of life over death.

Holidays with pagan roots:

Maslenitsa (end of February - beginning of March)

The most cheerful festivity week accompanied with high jinks, sliding down, snow-related activities, burning of female effigy (that stands for winter) to wake up the spring and, certainly, tones of pancakes (blini) waiting for you everywhere.