Russia Day in Russia in 2024


  How long until Russia Day?
Russia Day
  Dates of Russia Day in Russia
2025 Jun 12, Jun 13
RussiaFri, Jun 13National Holiday (bridge day)
RussiaThu, Jun 12National Holiday
2024 Russia Wed, Jun 12 National Holiday
2023 Russia Mon, Jun 12 National Holiday
2022 Jun 12, Jun 13
RussiaMon, Jun 13National Holiday
RussiaSun, Jun 12National Holiday
2021 Jun 12, Jun 14
RussiaMon, Jun 14National Holiday (in lieu)
RussiaSat, Jun 12National Holiday
  Summary

Russia Day commemorates the formal adoption of the Declaration of Sovereignty of the Russian Federation

  Local name
Den Rossii

When is Russia Day?

This national holiday in Russia is celebrated on June 12th. If Russia Day falls on a weekend, then an additional holiday on a weekday is usually declared. If the holiday falls on a Tuesday or Thursday, an additional holiday on the Monday or Friday is often declared.

The National Day of the Russian Federation, Russia Day commemorates the formal adoption, on June 12th 1990 of the Declaration of Sovereignty of the Russian Federation which declared Russia's "independence" from the USSR.

History of Russia Day

Since 1991, this holiday in the world's largest country has changed its name twice. It was originally called 'Independence Day', though it was not a national holiday. 

According to some surveys, many Russians still think that this holiday is Russia's Independence Day, but the holiday has never had such a name in official documents. According to the survey of Levada Center in May 2003, 65% of the respondents named the holiday the Independence Day of Russia.

In 1994 Boris Yeltsin declared it a national holiday. The day was renamed to the catchy 'Day of the adoption of the Declaration of Sovereignty of the Russian Federation' with the intention of commemorating the renewed independence of the country, the creation of the post of President, the adoption of the historical national flag, and a new national anthem

On February 1st 2002, it was officially renamed to Russia Day.

How is Russia Day Celebrated?

In accordance with this name, this holiday is generally celebrated as a show of patriotism for Russia.

It's celebrated in a similar way to Victory Day, with events taking place in almost all main streets, parks and gardens of the Russian capital and regions. In the Kremlin, the Russian President presents the state awards of the Russian Federation. The day's events culminate in an evening fireworks display.

Concerts and fireworks take place in many cities throughout the country including Moscow. The largest concert is traditionally held at the heart of Moscow – the Red Square – and the most popular Russian artists perform there.

A special holiday program is prepared in Moscow parks. Entertainment is prepared for every taste and age in every corner of the city. Festivals, master classes and lectures, sports events and open-air film screenings await visitors.

Many Russians view today as the informal start of the summer season and take advantage of the day off work as a perfect opportunity to spruce up their gardens or view firework displays.

In 2019, the Russian Interior Ministry’s official spokesperson, Irina Volk, told TASS that more than five million people took part in over 4,200 festivities all across Russia to mark Russia Day.

While it has been an official holiday since 1991, 2003 was really the first year that it was celebrated in a major way, after it was heavily endorsed and promoted by Vladimir Putin.


Did you know?

Three facts about Russia Day

The Trans-Siberian Railway that spans almost all the way across the county is the single longest railway in the world. The 9200 kilometre journey departs in Moscow and makes its way to the Pacific Ocean port of Vladivostok. Making the entire journey non-stop will take over 152 hours.

Former Soviet Union leader, Mikhail Gorbachev recorded an album of romantic ballads.

St Basil's Cathedral in Moscow was created by Postnik Yakovlev. Legend has it that Ivan the Terrible blinded him afterwards, so that he could never again build anything that would rival it.

More facts about Russia Day

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