OREANDA-NEWS Russia Day is a holiday symbolizing the birthday of the modern state, sovereignty and prosperity of the country. From year to year it is celebrated on June 12 and has a special significance for every citizen of the Russian Federation. In 2023, the celebration falls on a Monday and is a day off. Izvestia introduces readers to the history and traditions of the holiday.

The origin of the holiday is connected with an event that occurred 33 years ago — the signing of the Declaration on State Sovereignty of Russia on June 12, 1990. The document effectively put an end to the RSFSR and became the first legislative basis for the new formation of the state. The normative legal act established the primacy of the Constitution of Russia and its laws.

The celebration itself began to be celebrated two years later. The decree on the holiday was issued on June 11, 1992. Two years later, he gained a foothold at the state level. At first, the significant date was called the Day of the adoption of the Declaration of State Sovereignty of the Russian Federation, but it quickly became known in everyday life as the Day of Russia. And in 2002, the name was officially changed to a lighter-sounding version.

Russia Day is a holiday that unites the multinational population of the country with an area of more than 17 million km, as well as citizens of the Russian Federation outside its borders. This is an official day off, and in 2023, Russians rest for three days instead of two, taking into account Monday.

In honor of the celebration, large-scale celebrations, performances, festivals are held throughout the country. The most striking events will traditionally take place in Moscow on Red Square. The ceremony of awarding state prizes is held in the Kremlin. The laureates are outstanding figures of culture and science. And themed parades, concerts, and excursions are organized throughout the capital. Read more about the events and places that you can visit in Moscow on Russia Day in the special material of Izvestia.