- The New Year is first on the calendar and in
popularity. Many celebrate it twice, on January 1
and 14 (which corresponds to January 1 in the Julian
calendar, used in Russia before 1918.
- Next is February 23, Soldier's Day, known until
recently as Soviet Army Day, popularly viewed as
holiday for all men and closely followed by its
female counter-part, Women's Day, March 8, when
women receive flowers, presents and are toasted by
men.
- Mayday, until recently officially termed
International Workers' Solidarity Day, is now known
as Spring and Labor 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 is Russia's newest holiday, Independence
Day, which commemorates the adoption in 1991 of the
Declaration of Sovereignty of the Russian
Federation.
- November 7 - the anniversary of the socialist
revolution of October 1917 which established
communist power — still survives. The system is
gone, but many still cling to the custom.
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