Russia Events and Festivals

Christmas
Since the former Soviet Union banned Christmas, Yule-tide celebrations take place in January. The Russian church still uses the old Julian calendar, therefore their Christmas celebrations are held on January 6 and 7.

The Christmas tree (Yolka) and Santa Claus were also banned during the Soviet era, so Russians re-invented the New Year's holiday tradition to include a decorated tree, and introduced a character called "Grandfather Frost" in place of the previously illegal Santa Claus. Known as Ded Moroz, Grandfather Frost looked very much like the western Santa Claus or Pere Noel - except he wore a blue suit. Babushka (Grandmother) is also a legendary Christmas figure who distributes presents to children.

New Year's Eve
Many Russians celebrate the New Year twice, on January 1 and 14. New Year's Eve tends to be a family and friends occasion. People usually ring in the New Year in a close family circle. They wait till midnight, eat special food, watch TV, listen to music and launch fireworks.

Russian Winter Festival
December 25 to January 5 is the time for the Russian Winter Festival. Traditional activities such as music, dance, sleigh rides, folk shows and other events celebrate the coming New Year, especially in Moscow, St Petersburg, Novgorod, and the Golden Ring towns of Vladimir and Suzdal.

Maslyanitsa Festival
Goodbye Russian Winter! Maslyanitsa means "butter" and is a traditional Russian carnival, celebrated during the week just before Lent. Each spring, there are festivals in the major cities and towns to celebrate the end of winter. During this week people cook pancakes served with honey, caviar, fresh cream and butter. It is a joyful festival with dances, songs, national costumes, attractions for children, with hot tea and pancakes served outdoors.

Men's Day
February 23 is dedicated to all men. Also called Army or Soldier Day, all men in Russia are liable for call-up including reservists. On this day women usually give men small gifts. It's followed by Women's Day on March 8.

Women’s Day
March 8 is dedicated to all women. It's an official holiday when women receive gifts from men and boys and are relieved from work. Men are supposed to do all the housework. There are prepared presents for women or delivered concerts everywhere. Women's Day was established after the Second International Conference of Socialist Women in Copenhagen in 1910.

Easter Sunday
The Easter service begins late on the eve of Easter and continues through the night. At midnight the church congregation, carrying lit candles, follows the priest around the neighbourhood. At the doors of their neighbours, the priest proclaims, "Christ is risen"; the worshippers joyfully reply, "He is risen indeed" and kiss their neighbours.

Moscow Music Spring Festival
Moscow Music Spring Festival occurs during April and May, with classical music concerts held at various venues.

St Petersburg Music Spring Festival
St Petersburg Music Spring Festival occurs during April and May, with classical music concerts held at various venues.

May Day
May Day or International Workers Day is held on May 1 or 2 and is a day that honours the working people of the land. Huge parades are held in the enormous Red Square in Moscow.

Victory Day Parade
Victory Day Parade is held on May 9 in Moscow. To celebrate Victory Day the President of Russia sends congratulatory letters to all war veterans. There are parades, feasts, presents and flowers to give thanks to those people who fought for the defence of Russia. The food consists of traditional Russian food like pirozki, which is dough, filled with meat or mashed potato, pelmeni and cakes and pies for desert.

White Nights Arts Festival
This is St Petersburg's liveliest event held from June 21 to July 11. While the sun hardly sets, many musical concerts, theatrical performances, street events, fireworks and other celebrations take place throughout Moscow, St Petersburg and the Golden Ring area.

Independence Day
June 12 is Independence Day. It's a new official holiday, established in 1991 with the Declaration of Sovereignty of the Russian Federation. Russians spend this day at their farm house in the countryside. They plant vegetables and enjoy being close to nature.

Revolution Day
Revolution Day takes place on November 7 and 8. It marks the day in 1917 when the masses of people revolted against the autocratic rule of the czars. The day is celebrated with huge parades and displays of young persons performing mass gymnastics.

Feast Day
December 6th marks the Feast Day of St. Nicholas of Myra; a Turkish bishop who became the patron saint of Moscow and Santa to the world. Due to the suppression of religion during the Soviet regime, St. Nicholas was replaced by Ded Moroz or Grandfather Frost, the Russian Spirit of Winter who brought gifts on New Year's Day. He is accompanied by Snyegurochka, the Snow maiden, who helps distribute the gifts.

Russian Winter Festival
December 25 to January 5 is the time for the Russian Winter Festival. Traditional activities such as music, dance, sleigh rides, folk shows and other events celebrate the coming New Year, especially in Moscow, St Petersburg, Novgorod, and the Golden Ring towns of Vladimir and Suzdal.

To view current festivals and events, please visit our Tangent E-zine.