On this day in 1990, the Declaration of Sovereignty, which announced Russia "independent" from the USSR, was formally adopted. June 12 also marks the beginning of the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Originally referred to as Independence Day, in 1992, the name was changed to Day of Adoption of the Declaration of State Sovereignty of the Russian Federation. Since 2002, however, it is known as Russia Day. The day is observed with pride and gusto all over the country. As a part of the celebratory spirit, public gatherings are organized, along with sports events, concerts and fireworks. There is a presidential address; and prominent citizens are honored with State Awards at the Kremlin for their outstanding achievements in the fields of art, literature, science & technology, and humanitarian efforts.
On November 4, 1612, Moscow acquired liberation from the Polish-Lithuanian troops. The movement for freedom was led by Kuzma Minin and Dmitry Pozharsky. The day is seen as marking the end of the Time of Troubles (1598–1613) in Russia. As the name aptly suggests, it indicates the unification of Russians across classes in the country; and their steps towards independence. One of the youngest national holidays, it has been observed since 2005, when it replaced the Day of Consent and Reconciliation (which, in turn, had replaced Revolution Day). On this day, people attend festivals, concerts, and there are street gatherings.
Since 1917, Russians commemorate May 1 as the day that marks the struggles of the working class in the country. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, this day was a symbol of revolution; and was characterized by strikes and protests by the working class in order to acquire better working conditions. While it is now viewed more as a day off from work, in the former USSR, it was celebrated with parades, demonstrations, and marches.
This day marks the surrender of the German troops to the Soviet Union. While the surrender of troops to the Allies took place on May 7, however, the Russians continued to fight on the Western front, especially in Prague. As a result, the instrument of surrender was signed once more on May 9, 1945. The day commemorates and honors the veterans who had fought in the war. A number of local parades are held, the biggest of them all at Moscow’s Red Square, by the Russian Armed Forces. Veterans are also given flowers, commonly red carnations, by people as a sign of respect and honor.
In 1918, on this day during the Russian Civil War, the signing and publication of the decree for the establishment of the Bolshevik Red Army in Russia took place. Since then, the name has been changed many times — from Day of the Birth of the Red Army, Day of the Red Army, to Day of the Soviet Army and Navy. Since 2006, it is known as Defender of the Fatherland Day. In recent years, Feb. 23 is also celebrated as Men’s Day (similar to Women’s Day on March 8). Men are given presents by women. Further, military parades are organized for the members and veterans of the army in the country.
While Christmas is observed on December 25 in most parts of the world, in Russia it is celebrated on December 25, as well as on January 7. The reason being, the Russian Orthodox Church follows the Julian calendar, in which Christmas Day falls on January 7. Moreover, after the Russian Revolution in 1917, the USSR discouraged the celebration of Christmas and other religious festivals as a part of their secular outlook. It was only in 1991, that Christmas was again declared as a public holiday; and began to be widely celebrated.