In Russia, plenty of such possibilities exist. The holidays
are
divided into several main groups, namely: official and
non-official.
Among official holidays, one cannot but mention New Year,
Christmas,
International Women's Day, Victory Day, Spring and Labor Day, Russia
Day, Unity Day and Students Day or Tatiana's Day. Among non-official
holidays and festivals one can figure the Old New Year,
Easter, Troitsa, Ivan Kupala Night, Spas (harvest festivals),
Maslyanitsa (pancake week (see also
Eating and
drinking in Russia) or shrove-tide) and others.
Many of them are characteristic only of Russia, that's why
you'd rather
travel Russia
to watch them.
New Year in Russia is celebrated on the night of the
31st of
December/1st January. This holiday is cheerfully met by all
people, both adults and children. The former expect high jinks, and the
latter are looking forward to find gifts under the New Year tree (fir),
that is usually decorated by the whole family, from Ded Moroz or Santa
Claus.
Christmas as an official holiday began to be
celebrated not long ago after the Soviet Union's collapse (more about
history of Russia
). It's celebrated on January, 7th.
International Women's Day is red-marked
in a calendar
either. The eighth of March is a day when women are presented with
flowers and presents to show the importance of loving woman's nature.
One of the days that the whole world shouldn't forget is
Victory
Day
- the 9th of May. Military parades are held in many countries
of
the former Soviet Union. People tribute to the veterans
who brought
the victory in the war against Nazi. If you want to share
your
emotions with the participants of World War II, you have
plenty of
opportunities to travel Russia and do it.
Easter or Resurrection Day, is the most important
religious
holiday, but it's a movable feast. The celebration is held in
one
of the spring days (April-May). People cook traditional food (kulichi
or Easter cakes and eggs) and go to the churches to bless it (see
also
Sightseeings
and Attractions of Russia). When people meet this
day, they say: "Christ has risen". The answer is: "He has truly risen!"
Before Lent Russians have a week of celebrations
(very often open-air).
Maslenitsa (Pancake
week) is the only holiday that has its origin in the pagan times. It
lasts seven days. The important symbol of this festival is a pancake.
It's a sign of the sun that presents people with warmth.
Travel Russia and take part in its bright festivals!
