Russian Holidays and Celebrations: Traditions You Should Know
Few cultures celebrate with as much passion, symbolism, and a sense of community as Russia. The Russian calendar is filled with holidays that blend ancient traditions, Orthodox Christian rituals, Soviet-era customs, and modern innovations. Some are quiet and reflective, others loud and exuberant, but all are steeped in meaning that goes far beyond a simple day off work. Whether it’s the explosion of fireworks on New Year’s Eve, the solemn remembrance of Victory Day, or the joyous arrival of spring during Maslenitsa, Russian holidays are more than just dates—they are mirrors of the Russian soul, revealing its history, values, and sense of collective identity.
For language learners and travelers alike, knowing Russian holidays is about much more than memorizing dates. Celebrations shape how Russians interact, what they eat, how they speak, and even the greetings they exchange. Understanding the rhythm of the Russian festive calendar allows you to connect more deeply with locals, avoid cultural faux pas, and participate fully in traditions that may at first seem unfamiliar. More importantly, holidays are a gateway to language: the songs, toasts, proverbs, and vocabulary tied to each celebration give you ready-made phrases to practice.
In this article, we’ll take a tour of the most important Russian holidays and celebrations—from the world-famous to the little-known—exploring their origins, traditions, and modern practices. By the end, you’ll not only have a better sense of when and how Russians celebrate, but also the cultural meaning behind the rituals.
New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day (Новый год)
If there is one holiday you should know about Russia, it’s New Year. While Christmas is a quieter, religious event, New Year’s is the biggest celebration of the year.
Traditions:
Families gather for an elaborate feast, often including салат Оливье (Russian potato salad), селёдка под шубой(herring under a fur coat), and sparkling wine.
A decorated New Year’s tree (ёлка) stands in most homes, with presents waiting beneath.
Ded Moroz (Grandfather Frost) and Snegurochka (his granddaughter) deliver gifts to children.
At midnight, people make a wish as the Kremlin clock chimes, often writing it on paper, burning it, and dropping the ashes into a glass of champagne before drinking it.
Modern Twist: Fireworks light up city skies, and for many, it’s a week-long celebration leading up to the long winter holiday break.
Orthodox Christmas (Рождество) – January 7
Because the Russian Orthodox Church follows the Julian calendar, Christmas falls on January 7.
Traditions:
Religious Russians attend the midnight liturgy at church.
Families may gather for a special meal, often after a period of fasting.
Traditional dishes include кутья (a sweet grain pudding) and other symbolic foods.
While not as commercially prominent as New Year, Christmas is deeply meaningful to many, marking the spiritual center of the holiday season.
Old New Year (Старый Новый год) – January 14
This uniquely Russian holiday comes from the discrepancy between the Julian and Gregorian calendars.
Traditions:
Celebrated more informally, often with smaller gatherings or continued festivities.
Some people use it as a second chance to make resolutions or celebrate if they missed the main New Year.
Defender of the Fatherland Day (День защитника Отечества) – February 23
Originally a Soviet military holiday, it has evolved into something like “Men’s Day.”
Traditions:
Men—whether they served in the military or not—are congratulated and given gifts.
Offices, schools, and families mark the day with small ceremonies or toasts.
It is often paired with International Women’s Day two weeks later, creating a balance of “men’s day” and “women’s day.”
Maslenitsa (Масленица) – February/March
Known as “Butter Week” or “Pancake Week,” Maslenitsa is a lively festival marking the end of winter and the start of spring, tied to Orthodox Lent.
Traditions:
Eating blini (thin pancakes) with butter, sour cream, honey, or caviar.
Outdoor celebrations: sledding, singing, dancing, and games.
The burning of a straw effigy symbolizing winter.
Maslenitsa is one of the most colorful holidays, full of joy, humor, and ancient pagan echoes.
International Women’s Day (Международный женский день) – March 8
Perhaps one of the most beloved holidays in Russia.
Traditions:
Women receive flowers, chocolates, and gifts from family, friends, and colleagues.
Men often cook or take over chores for the day.
The day celebrates women not just as mothers or wives, but as professionals and individuals.
Easter (Пасха) – Spring
Russian Orthodox Easter is another important religious holiday, celebrated with joy and color.
Traditions:
Attending midnight services with the greeting Христос воскрес! (Christ is risen!) answered by Воистину воскрес! (Truly he is risen!).
Baking and sharing кулич (a tall sweet bread) and пасха (a cottage cheese dessert).
Decorating eggs and exchanging them with friends and family.
Spring and Labor Day (Праздник Весны и Труда) – May 1
Once the grand Soviet holiday of workers, today it is a public holiday often used for rest, outdoor activities, and the beginning of the dacha season.
Traditions:
Many Russians spend the long weekend planting gardens or enjoying picnics.
In big cities, parades or public concerts may still be held.
Victory Day (День Победы) – May 9
Victory Day is one of the most emotionally powerful holidays in Russia, commemorating the Soviet victory in World War II.
Traditions:
Military parades in major cities, especially Moscow’s Red Square parade.
People wear ribbons of St. George and carry portraits of relatives who fought in the war in the “Immortal Regiment” marches.
Fireworks and concerts honor the day.
It is both solemn and celebratory, combining grief for the fallen with pride in victory.
Russia Day (День России) – June 12
A relatively new holiday marking the declaration of sovereignty of the Russian Federation in 1990.
Traditions:
Concerts, fireworks, and public events in cities.
For many, it is simply a summer day off work to spend with family.
Unity Day (День народного единства) – November 4
This holiday commemorates the liberation of Moscow from Polish occupation in 1612, symbolizing national unity.
Traditions:
State ceremonies and patriotic speeches.
Cultural events and exhibitions.
Not as widely celebrated on a personal level, but growing in recognition.
Name Days and Birthdays
Apart from official holidays, personal celebrations matter. Many Russians celebrate not only their birthdays but also именины—their name day, associated with the Orthodox saint after whom they are named.
Traditions:
Friends and family bring small gifts or flowers.
At workplaces, colleagues may organize a small party.
Weddings and Anniversaries
Though not official public holidays, Russian weddings are huge celebrations, often lasting two days and filled with traditions like bread and salt rituals, toasts, and dancing. Anniversaries (especially the “golden” 50th) are also celebrated with great importance.
New Year vs. Christmas: A Cultural Note
Foreigners often expect Christmas to be the “big one,” but in Russia, it’s New Year’s Eve that dominates. This reversal can surprise visitors but makes sense given Soviet history, when religious holidays were downplayed while New Year’s became the secular celebration of joy and renewal.
How Holidays Shape Russian Language and Culture
Each holiday comes with specific greetings: С Новым годом!, С праздником!, Христос воскрес!
Holiday vocabulary is often tied to food: блины, кулич, салат Оливье.
To master Russian, learning holiday-related words and toasts is invaluable.
FAQs About Russian Holidays and Celebrations
Q: Which Russian holiday is the most important?
A: For most Russians, New Year’s Eve is the biggest celebration, followed closely by Victory Day.
Q: Are Russian holidays religious or secular?
A: Both. Russia’s calendar mixes Orthodox religious holidays with Soviet and modern state holidays.
Q: How long do New Year celebrations last?
A: Typically from December 31 through January 7, as the New Year, Orthodox Christmas, and even Old New Year extend the season.
Q: Is it common to give gifts on Russian holidays?
A: Yes. Flowers, sweets, and small tokens are common for birthdays, Women’s Day, and New Year.
Q: What foods are tied to holidays?
A: Blini for Maslenitsa, Olivier salad for New Year, kulich and decorated eggs for Easter.
Q: Do businesses close for all holidays?
A: Yes, most public offices close on major holidays, though shops and restaurants may stay open.
Q: What’s the etiquette for giving flowers?
A: Always give an odd number (even numbers are for funerals).
Q: Can foreigners participate in Russian holiday traditions?
A: Absolutely. Russians often welcome guests into their celebrations and appreciate when foreigners join in.
Final Thoughts
Russian holidays offer a living lesson in history, culture, and language. To understand them is to understand Russia itself: a country that blends old and new, sacred and secular, solemnity and joy. Whether you’re eating blini at Maslenitsa, standing in silence on Victory Day, or raising a toast on New Year’s Eve, you step into traditions that have shaped Russian identity for centuries.
At Polyglottist Language Academy, we believe that learning a language is more than grammar and vocabulary—it’s about entering a culture. Our Russian courses incorporate not only the mechanics of the language but also the traditions, holidays, and values that give it life. Sign up today and let us guide you into the heart of Russian culture, one celebration at a time.