Russia Day in 2024

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.