Day of Unity in 2024

When is Russian Unity Day?

The Day of Unity is a public holiday in Russia observed on November 4th.

This is Russia's newest holiday and is a national holiday aimed at promoting patriotism and tolerance between ethnic and religious groups in Russia.

History of Russian Unity Day?

It was created in 2004 and celebrates the liberation of Moscow from Polish troops in 1612, led by Kuzma Minin and Dmitry Pozharsky. This event marked the end of the "time of troubles" and foreign intervention in Russia. It led to Mikhail Romanov’s accession to the throne.

Speaking in 2021, President Putin said: "National Unity Day marks a dramatic, life-changing period in the history of our country. In the early 17th century, Russia found itself on the brink of losing its sovereignty and could have disappeared from the European and world maps forever. However, the people of Russia did not let this happen. They came together in a volunteer army led by Minin and Pozharsky to defend their homeland, chase out the invaders and traitors, restore a strong state, and stop sectarian strife. They took on the task of saving the country and paved the way for Russia’s revival and strengthening."

The event was marked by a public holiday which was celebrated in Russia on October 22nd from 1649 till 1917.

The name of the day is in recognition that all the classes of Russian society united to save Russia, even though there was no Tsar to lead them.

There are 193 peoples (tribes or ethnic groups) living in the territory of the country. Russia has a unique religious composition, with the three world religions represented –Christianity, Islam and Buddhism. Russia has 277 languages and dialects. More than three dozen languages, along with Russian – which form part of the Russian Federation – are national

How is Russian Unity Day Celebrated?

The holiday replaced the Day of Accord and Reconciliation, established by former President Boris Yeltsin following the collapse of the Soviet Union, which was itself a replacement for Revolution Day.

Revolution Day celebrated the 1917 October Revolution. It took place on November 7th, when tanks, missiles, and troops used to parade through Moscow's Red Square.

Without a replacement, Russians would have been faced with a stretch from June to January without a national holiday.

Given it's closeness to the old holiday, many Russians probably haven't noticed that much change and to help the transition, the holiday is celebrated in the same manner as the old holiday with fireworks, food, and drink.