Russia Holidays
Russian holidays consists of religious, official and unofficial holidaysall a celebration of the old and the new. Here are a few Russian holidays that are observed. On these days, most businesses and government offices are closed. If by chance one of these Russian holidays falls on a weekend, offices will be closed the following Monday.
The Russian New Year is sometimes celebrated twice–on January 1 and January 14.
Christmas has been observed as a Russian holiday since 1992. The Russian Christmas is celebrated on January 7.
On February 23, Russia honors its service men on Defender of the Father Land Day. Formerly called Red Army Day under Soviet Union reign, this Russian holiday pays tribute to all men who servedand are still servingas protector of mother Russia.
March 8 is a Russian holiday that compares to Mother’s Day in the United States. Women receive flowers and gifts from loved ones in appreciation of their dedication, love and hard work.
International Workers’ Solidarity Day, formerly Mayday, is also known as spring and Labor Day. Some Russians celebrate this Russian holiday by attending demonstrations in church. It occurs around the Russian Orthodox Easter, sometime in April.
Another Russian holiday, Victory Day, is celebrated on May 9. This observance remembers the millions of fallen soldiers during World War II. Attendees lay wreaths and flowers on soldiers’ graves and veterans gather in the streets to celebrate this Russian holiday.
The Day of Russia is celebrated on June 12.
The latest Russian holiday, Day of the National Unity, is celebrated on November 4.
