DE RYSKA HELGDAGARNA  

The New Year is first on the calendar and in popularity. Many celebrate it twice, on January 1 and 14 (which conesponds to January 1 in the Julian calendar, used in Russia before 1918.

Den 23:e februari innfaller Fosterlandets Försvarares Dag (tidigare Röda Armens dag) - dagen markerade från början röda armens stora rekrytering inför oroligheterna 1918. 1949 döptes den om till Ryska Armens och Flottans Dag och efter Sovjetunionens fall kallas den nu för Fosterlandets Försvarares Dag. Det officiella firandet rör alltså personer som tjänat i de väpnade styrkorna, både män och kvinnor men den senaste tiden har dagen mer och mer kommit att bli männens dag, som en motvikt till Kvinnodagen den 8:e Mars. Veteraner kommer att paradera på gator och torg och många kvinnor ger små presenter till sina män, pojkvänner, fäder söner och manliga kollegor.

Mayday, until recently officially termed International Workers' Solidarity Day, is now known as Spring and Labour Day. On some years, it occurs on or close to with Russian Orthodox Easter, so some people celebrate in church while some attend customary demonstrations.

Russia celebrates Victory Day on May 9 to commemorate the millions fallen in World War II. Flowers and wreaths are laid on wartime graves on this day, and veterans come out into the streets wearing their military orders and medals. Alas, there are fewer of them with every passing year.

June 12 - Day of Russia.

Forsta lordagen i September, Den gorod - Moskvas egen dag! Festligeheter och avstangningar lite overallt!

November 4 - Day of the National Unity is the newest Russian holiday.

Church feasts have been reborn. Easter is celebrated nationwide, as of old, and Christmas became a day off. Muslims, Jews and Buddhists also celebrate their feasts without fear of secular authorities.