Public holidays in Russia in 2022

At present, the Russian people are happy to celebrate all types of holidays - old and new, secular and religious, family and professional holidays. This article presents the most important holidays in Russia, including public holidays that are approved by the Government of the Russian Federation as non-working days. During public holidays government offices, diplomatic missions and many shops are closed. According to the holiday calendar, Russians can rest for 118 days in 2022 (including holidays and the weekend).

1 January: New Year's Day. The New Year holidays last from the 1st to the 9th of January.

The New Year's Day is the start of winter holidays for Russian families. New Year is the most solemn traditional holiday in Russia. Decorating fir trees is one of the most important customs. December 31st is the New Year's Eve. The most important activities on the New Year's Eve are watching TV, having New Year's Eve dinner with the family, exchanging gifts and going out to launch fireworks. It is believed that the greatest wish made on the New Year's Eve will definetely come true. Inviting and visiting guests, winter sports and going to the cinema have become typical activities of most Russian people during the New Year's holidays.

7 January: Christmas.

Christmas is a Christian holiday commemorating the birth of Jesus. According to the Orthodox calendar, Christmas is celebrated two weeks later than in Europe. Christmas is time to visit families, attend religious services and enjoy Christmas feasts. From the evening of January 6 to 7 all Orthodox churches in Russia hold solemn church services.

23 February: The Defender of the Fatherland Day. Russians officially rest for one day.

On this day major cities in Russia hold various celebration activities to express deep gratitude and respect to those who gave their lives for the country in previous wars and to honor them. Over time the 23 January has become a special holiday for all male representatives. Even in the kindergartens boys are congratulated on this day.

8 March: International Women's Day.

This holiday was created to celebrate the struggle of working women around the world for peace, democracy and liberation. Nowadays 8th Match is a day when all the girls and women are congratulated. At home the husbands usually do all the household chores like cooking and others to let their wives rest.

28 February to 6 March: Maslenitsa.

Maslenitsa is also known as the "Winter farewell". The most important tradition of Maslenitsa is the cooking and eating pancakes called "blini". During the holiday week people also play games, and at the end of the week they burn scarecrows to welcome the arrival of spring.

Easter commemorates the resurrection of Jesus. It is the most important holiday in Christianity. This holiday symbolizes the revival of the earth, the resurrection of all things, and the victory of good over evil. Russians celebrate Easter with colored eggs, special food and customs. Easter is seen as a day of rest and family gatherings.

May 1: The holiday of Spring and Labor. The first 3 days of May are non-working days.

On May 1 the Russian government, parties and different organisations hold various festive events. Most people dress up and go out to celebrate the holiday and welcome the arrival of spring.

May 9: Victory Day. The holidays last from 7th to 10th May.

This day commemorates the victory of the Soviet Union over Nazi Germany in 1945, ending the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945. People wear the St. George's Ribbon on the chest, which symbolizes bravery and victory. World War II veterans are the most respected heroes on this day. Russia holds a grand military parade on the Red Square in Moscow.

June 12: Russia Day. The holidays last from 11th to13rd June.

This is one of the main national holidays in Russia. It commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of Sovereignty of the Russian Federation in 1991.

November 4: Unity Day. The holidays last from 4th to 6th November.

Since this holiday was established in 2004, it is considered to be the Russia's newest public holiday, commemorating the liberation of Moscow from the Polish army in 1612. Its name originates from the fact that Russians of all social classes came together to achieve the goal.

Other national holidays and anniversaries are generally widely celebrated, but they are all regarded as working days:

• January 25: Students Day
• April 1: April Fool's Day
• April 12: Cosmonautics Day
• May 24: Day of Slavic Writing and Culture
• June 1: Children's Day
• July 8: Family, Love and Loyalty Day
• August 22: Flag Day
• September 1: The Day of knowledge
• October 5: Teacher's Day
• December 12: All-Russian Constitution Day