What is Russia Day?
Russia Day, on 12 June, is the national day of the Russian Federation. It commemorates the Declaration of State Sovereignty of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic, passed on 12 June 1990 by the First Congress of People's Deputies, which asserted the priority of Russian laws on its territory and began the constitutional changes that led to the end of the Soviet Union in December 1991. It is a relatively young holiday, and is celebrated nationwide with concerts, fairs and sporting events.
The day is marked by official ceremonies, including the presentation of State Prizes by the president at the Kremlin, concerts, fireworks and public events in cities, especially Moscow. Many people spend the day in parks and at festivals, the national flag is displayed widely, and for many it is an occasion for a short trip out of town.
Why it is observed
In 1992 the Supreme Soviet of Russia proclaimed 12 June a national holiday, under the name Day of the Adoption of the Declaration of State Sovereignty. A presidential decree of 1994 re-proclaimed it, a decree of 16 June 1998 gave it the official name Russia Day, and the Labour Code of 2002 confirmed that name. The date is also the anniversary of the election of Boris Yeltsin as the first president of Russia by popular vote on 12 June 1991. The date was a political choice by the post-Soviet authorities, who wanted a state day separate from the Soviet-era holidays.
How the date is set
Russia Day is fixed on 12 June. When it falls close to a weekend, days off may be transferred by government decree to create a longer break.
How it is observed
Russia Day is a public holiday in Russia. Banks, public offices and schools are closed, and most shops, restaurants and attractions are open, with festivals and concerts in city centres. When the date falls on a weekend, the days off may be moved by the government's annual decree (12 June 2027 is a Saturday), so the exact days off should be checked each year. Public transport usually runs a holiday schedule. Pay and time off depend on Russian labour law and the contract.
Sources
Russia