Upcoming Holidays and Celebrations in Russia

New Year's Day

New Year's Day, also known as Novy God, is a widely celebrated holiday in Russia. It marks the beginning of the new year and is a time for joy and festivities. Families gather to exchange gifts, enjoy special meals, and watch fireworks. It holds immense cultural importance as it symbolizes hope, renewal, and a fresh start.

Orthodox Christmas Day

Orthodox Christmas Day is a religious holiday celebrated on January 7th. It commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ in the Orthodox Christian tradition. It is a day of prayer, church services, and festive meals. This holiday is culturally significant as it showcases Russia's rich Orthodox Christian heritage and customs.

Old New Year

Old New Year, celebrated on January 14th, is a unique Russian holiday. It is based on the Julian calendar and is a more subdued observance of the new year. People may exchange small gifts and reflect on the past year. It reflects the historical calendar change and is an interesting cultural tidbit.

Valentine's Day

Valentine's Day, known as "Den' Svyatogo Valentina" in Russian, is a day for expressing love and affection. It's celebrated on February 14th with the exchange of romantic gestures, gifts, and cards. It has gained popularity in Russia in recent years, emphasizing love and relationships in modern culture.

Isra and Mi'raj

Isra and Mi'raj, an Islamic holiday, commemorates the night journey and ascension of the Prophet Muhammad. It is a day of prayer, reflection, and community gatherings for Russia's Muslim population, emphasizing the country's religious diversity and tolerance.

Defender of the Fatherland Day

Defender of the Fatherland Day, celebrated on February 23rd, honors the courage and dedication of Russian men, particularly those in the military. It involves parades, patriotic displays, and recognizing the contributions of defenders of the nation, emphasizing the country's military history and values.

Public Holiday

This generic term refers to various public holidays celebrated throughout the year, often marked by days off work and various cultural and social events. These holidays serve as moments of rest, leisure, and community engagement, contributing to Russia's cultural diversity.

Special Operations Forces Day

Special Operations Forces Day, observed on February 27th, pays tribute to Russia's elite military units. It involves demonstrations of their skills and capabilities. This holiday highlights the importance of these forces in safeguarding the nation's security.

International Women's Day

International Women's Day, celebrated on March 8th, is a global day recognizing the achievements and contributions of women. In Russia, it is a day of appreciation, with men giving flowers and gifts to the women in their lives. This holiday reflects the value placed on gender equality and women's roles in society.

Ramadan starts (Tentative Date)

Ramadan is a significant Islamic fasting month, observed by Muslims worldwide. Its start date varies each year, following the lunar calendar. In Russia, Muslims begin their month of fasting and reflection, showcasing the country's religious diversity and cultural respect.

Orthodox Easter Day

Orthodox Easter, celebrated on a different date than Western Easter, marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It's a major religious holiday with church services, egg painting, and festive meals. It underscores the strong influence of Orthodox Christianity in Russian culture.

Lailat al-Qadr

Lailat al-Qadr, an important night in Islam, is believed to be when the Quran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. Muslims in Russia engage in night prayers and worship to seek blessings, demonstrating the cultural and religious diversity of the country.

Eid al-Fitr

Eid al-Fitr, celebrated at the end of Ramadan, is a joyous holiday that includes communal prayers, feasting, and giving to the less fortunate. It showcases the unity and generosity within Russia's Muslim communities, adding to the country's cultural richness.

Spring and Labor Day

Spring and Labor Day, celebrated on May 1st, is a time for workers to rest and enjoy the arrival of spring. It features parades, picnics, and labor-related events, emphasizing the importance of labor and the changing seasons in Russian culture.

Public Holiday

Another instance of a public holiday, similar to the previous entry, indicating various days off and cultural activities that contribute to the diverse fabric of Russian society.

Victory Day

Victory Day, celebrated on May 9th, commemorates the victory over Nazi Germany in World War II. It features grand military parades, concerts, and gatherings of war veterans, highlighting the resilience and sacrifices of the Russian people during the war.

Russia Day

Russia Day, observed on June 12th, marks the declaration of Russian sovereignty. It's a day for patriotic displays, cultural events, and celebrations of Russian heritage, fostering a sense of national pride and unity among the country's diverse population.

Eid al-Adha

Eid al-Adha, the "Festival of Sacrifice," is a significant Islamic holiday. It involves prayer, feasting, and the symbolic sacrifice of an animal. Its observance in Russia showcases the importance of faith and traditions among the country's Muslim communities.

Muharram

Muharram marks the Islamic New Year, beginning with the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar. It's a time of reflection and prayer for Muslims in Russia, illustrating the country's respect for religious diversity and cultural understanding.

Day of Knowledge

Day of Knowledge, celebrated on September 1st, marks the start of the school year. Students and teachers gather for ceremonies, emphasizing the importance of education and the future of Russia through its youth.

The Prophet's Birthday (Tentative Date)

The Prophet's Birthday, known as Mawlid al-Nabi, varies each year based on the Islamic lunar calendar. It honors the birth of the Prophet Muhammad and involves prayer, readings, and community events, highlighting the country's diverse religious landscape.

Father's Day

Father's Day, observed on the third Sunday in June, is a day to honor fathers and father figures. Families may spend time together and express gratitude, strengthening family bonds and recognizing the important role of fathers in Russian society.

Unity Day

Unity Day, celebrated on November 4th, marks the historical events that led to the unification of Russia. It involves patriotic parades, cultural exhibitions, and public gatherings, fostering a sense of national unity and pride in Russian history and heritage.

Mother's Day

Mother's Day, observed on the last Sunday of November, is a day to show appreciation for mothers and maternal figures. It encourages expressions of love and gratitude, highlighting the essential role of mothers in nurturing and shaping Russian families and society.