May 21 — Polar Explorer's Day: a holiday for explorers of the Far North

In spring, Russia celebrates Polar Explorer's Day, a professional holiday approved in honor of the launch of the first North Pole—1 drifting expedition in the Arctic. 2025 marks the 88th anniversary of this event. Read about the history of the significant date and what traditions are associated with it in the Izvestia article.

When is Polar Explorer's Day in 2025

Polar Explorer's Day is celebrated annually on May 21. In 2025, it falls on a Wednesday.

Polar Explorer's Day: history and traditions of the May 21 holiday

The polar explorers landed on the ice on May 21, 1937. It was on this day that the ANT-6 aircraft, piloted by pilot Mikhail Vodopyanov, landed near the North Pole during the high-latitude expedition North.

The expedition, led by Doctor of Geographical Sciences, Rear Admiral Ivan Papanin, included geophysicist and meteorologist Evgeny Fedorov, radio operator Ernst Krenkel and oceanographer Peter Shirshov. At the landing site, scientists organized the first drifting station "North Pole" (SP-1). She worked for nine months, having traveled more than 2,000 km in the direction of Greenland. During this time, a number of valuable measurements and observations were made. The polar explorers were awarded the title Hero of the Soviet Union for their scientific achievements.

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In recognition of the contribution of Russian researchers to the development of the Arctic, it was proposed to establish a Polar Explorer's Day. This proposal was made during a direct line with Russian President Vladimir Putin in April 2013. The issue was raised by Nikolai Kornilov, Vice President of the Association of Polar Explorers of St. Petersburg. Previously, Artur Chilingarov, a member of the Federation Council and Special Representative of the President of the Russian Federation for International Cooperation in the Arctic, took the initiative to establish such a holiday.

The President supported the idea. The relevant decree was signed on May 21, 2013. Since then, Polar Explorer's Day has been celebrated annually in all Arctic territories of Russia. In 2024, the celebrations will be held for the 11th time.

The holiday is celebrated in all cities where polar explorers live. International conferences and exhibitions are timed to coincide with the celebration, introducing discoveries and personalities who have made a significant contribution to the development of the icy continent.

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The events are traditionally attended by employees of scientific institutes and research centers, representatives of the media, government and public organizations. The best representatives of the profession are also awarded on this day. Regional and federal authorities join in the congratulations every year.

Much attention is paid to the celebration in many cities. However, the most spectacular celebration is organized in St. Petersburg. Every year, in honor of the workers of the northern scientific stations, a cannon shot is fired here in the Peter and Paul Fortress. In addition, many events dedicated to the Polar Explorer's Day are held at the Museum of the Arctic and Antarctic, located in the Northern Capital.

Earlier, Izvestia told how Russia celebrates the Day of the employee of the Hydrometeorological service.