Holidays in Russia

1. New Year on January 1. (January 1, 2 – days off)  
   The Russian New Year is celebrated January 1st. Many Russians still celebrate Old New Year on January 13th. January 13th corresponds to the first of the year according to the Julian calendar, which was used in Russia until 1918. It differs slightly from the Gregorian calendar used by most of the world. To many Russian people the New Year is the biggest holiday of the year. The New Year's celebration usually flows directly into the celebration of Russian Orthodox Christmas observed on January 7.
   
   
2. Russian Orthodox Christmas on January 7– day off. 
   
   
3. Defender of the Fatherland Day on February 23– day off. 
   23 February, Russia honors those who are presently serving in the Armed Forces and those who have served in the past. In Russia all women make presents to all men who are close to them.
   
   
4. St. Valentine's Day on February 14 (a working day in Russia).
   On 14, February the whole world celebrates the day of love. This day is not official and thus not a day off.
   
   
5. International Women's Day on March 8– day off.  
   
   Every 8 March, it is traditional to present women with gifts and flowers, to express appreciation for their work, love and devotion. It can be regarded as the equivalent of Mother's Day combined with some aspects of Valentine's Day.
   
   
6. Spring and Labor Day on May 1 (May 1, 2 – days off). 
   1 May is International Workers' Day and Spring day.
   
   
7. Victory Day on May 9 (May 8,9 – days off). 
   Every 9 May, Russia celebrates the victory over Nazi Germany, while remembering those who fell in order to achieve it. A military parade is usually held in Moscow to celebrate the day.
   
   
8. Russia Day on June 12 – day off.
   Russia Day is a holiday of national unity celebrated in Russia on June 12. On this day, in 1990, Russian parliament formally declared its sovereignty.
   
   
9. Unity Day on November 4 – day off. 
   November 4, Unity Day сcommemorates the end of the Time of Troubles and foreign intervention in Russia.
   
   
10. Constitution Day on December 12 – day off. 
    December, 12 is the day the Constitution of the Russian Federation was signed and drafted.