Jan 1 & 14

NEW YEAR

First on the calendar and in popularity, many celebrate the New Year twice, on January 1 and 14 (which corresponds to January 1 in the Julian calendar, used in Russia before 1918). Seasonal decorations, gift giving, and large family feasts are all involved in celebrating the biggest of Russian holidays, which is the western equivalent of Christmas and New Year combined.

Jan 7

RUSSIAN CHRISTMAS

Thirteen days after Western Christmas, on January 7, the Russian Orthodox Church celebrates its Christmas, in accordance with the old Julian calendar.

Feb 23

MEN'S DAY (SOLDIER'S DAY)

Formerly known as Soviet Army Day, and more recently just as Soldier's Day, Men's Day is becoming more and more a day to celebrate civilian men as well (perhaps the fact that over 85% of Russian conscripts in 2003 managed to avoid their military service obligations).

Feb/Mar

MASLENITSA (BLINI DAY)

This day comes from the Pagan tradition of making blini pancakes to honor the coming of spring; blini representing the sun. Each spring, there are weeklong festivals in the major cities and towns to celebrate the end of winter. The dates of Maslenitsa week vary each year and precede the Easter fast (like Mardi Gras).

Mar 8

WOMEN'S DAY

Established after the Second International Conference of Socialist Women in Copenhagen in 1910, women receive gifts and usually do not have to work, although the latter is becoming less and less true.

Mar/Apr

RUSSIAN EASTER

Falling on a different day each year, the Russian Orthodox Easter usually happens in late March or early April.

May 1

MAY DAY

Once celebrated as International Workers' Solidarity Day, this event, now known as Labor and Spring Holiday, retains the festive nature, with colorful parades through Moscow's Red Square and St. Petersburg's Palace Square.

May 9

VICTORY DAY

To commemorate the millions (yes, millions) of Russians who perished in the second World War, flowers and wreaths are laid on burial sites and veterans come out into the streets wearing their military orders and medals. Parades are held at war memorials such as the Piskaryovskoye Cemetery in St Petersburg.

Jun 12

INDEPENDENCE DAY

Russia's newest holiday commemorates the 1991 adoption of the Declaration of Sovereignty of the Russian Federation, which spelled the end of the mighty USSR.

Mar 8

WHITE NIGHTS FESTIVAL

During the week with the longest days of sunlight of the year, many musical concerts, theatrical performances, street events, fireworks and other celebrations take place throughout many major cities. St. Petersburg, with its extreme northern location, is the sight for the biggest of the parties

Jul (last Sun)

NAVY DAY

A day for sailors to be celebrated by other sailors (everyone else tends to just stay out of their way). In St. Petersburg, the fleet returns to the harbor to display their ships and subs, and are greeted with parades and events.

Aug 19

DAY OF THE FAILED 1991 COUP

Marks the end of Communism and honors those who were killed

Sep 8

SIEGE OF LENINGRAD DAY

Commemorates the end of the 900-day seige of former Leningrad by the German army in World War II

Sep 19

MOSCOW DAY

A day to celebrate the anniversary of the nation's capital city with several events, parades, and parties

Dec 12

CONSTITUTION DAY

On this date in 1993, the new constitution of the Russian Federation was ratified.

Dec 25 - Jan 5

RUSSIAN WINTER FESTIVAL

Events are held to celebrate the coming new year, especially in Moscow, St Petersburg, Novgorod, Vladimir, and Suzdal, where troika rides (carts pulled by a team of 3 horses) and other traditional Russian folk customs take place.