Russin holidays and celebrations

There are many Russian holidays and celebrations that take place throughout the year.  Many of the popular and commercial holidays from the west, such as Valentine's Day, are starting to become very popular in Russia as well.

New Years is by far the biggest celebration in Russia. Russians prepare for many days (and sometimes weeks) in advance, to create a celebration that will see in the New Year in style! Usually, people spend the New Years Eve dinner at home with their extended family. Only after midnight, when the New Year has begun, will young people head out to parties and nightclubs with friends.

 
Easter - Easter is a major celebration in Russia. The date changes each year, as it does in the West, determined by the lunar calendar. Russians celebrate with a traditional feast, and the customary painting of hard-boiled eggs. 

Christmas - Christmas in Russia is celebrated on the 7th of January. Before Christmas Eve, people clean and tidy their house and yard, and decorate the house in a lavish manner. Before Christmas Eve, people clean and tidy their house and yard, and decorate the house in a lavish manner. The food for Christmas is prepared for some days in advance, with turkey, stuffed pork, pies, pastries and sweets for children.

Valentine's Day - Valentine's Day (February 14) is a big celebration in Russia. All over the country, lovers celebrate their love for each other with romantic gifts, cards, and words of gratitude and appreciation. The day is also celebrated by friends, and it is not unusual for a girl to receive cards and gifts from her friends (male and female), and her family.

February 23, Soldier's Day - Formerly Soviet Army Day, this holiday honors Russian men and is the counterpart to International Women's Day.

International Women's Day - The most important day for women in Russia. It is now a public holiday in Russia. Men usually give flowers to all women at their workplace, as well as to their mothers, sisters, and of course their wife or girlfriend. This day is a reason for visiting friends and family, or to invite them to your place for a large meal and celebration. 

Maslenitsa - this is a traditional celebration to mark the start of spring. Maslenitsa has been celebrated in Russia from very ancient times, and it is one of the favourite holidays for Russians. It happens in the last week prior to the start of Lent, usually in the middle, or at the end of February.

Victory Day - May 9th, Russia celebrates the victory over Nazi Germany, while remembering those who died in order to achieve it. It commemorates those who died in WWII and pays tribute to survivors and veterans. Flowers and wreaths are laid on wartime graves and special parties and concerts are organized for veterans.  In the evening there is a firework display.

Unity Day - was first celebrated on November 4, 2005.  Commemorates the popular uprising led by Kuzma Minin and Dmitry Pozharsky which ejected the Polish invaders from Moscow in November of 1612.

Tatyana's Day - On January 25th, Russians celebrate Tatyana's Day. It was named after Saint Tatyana, who lived in the late 2nd, early 3rd Century, and was killed for her beliefs in the Orthodox Religion.

June 12, Independence Day - The adoption of The Declaration of Sovereignty of the Russian Federation in 1991 is celebrated today.

December 12, Constitution Day - The country's primary legal document and the foundation on which Russian law is built receives recognition at this time.