Russia Day on June 12: what is the importance of this holiday

On Thursday, June 12, a state holiday is celebrated — Russia Day, marking the adoption of the Declaration of State Sovereignty of the RSFSR in 1990. Why it is celebrated on June 12, what the holiday used to be called, how Russia Day is celebrated and what its meaning is, as well as the traditions dedicated to this day — in the material of Izvestia.

Russia Day – 2025: the history, the essence of the holiday on June 12

Russia Day has a fixed date and is always celebrated on June 12th. In 2025, the holiday falls on a Thursday, so Russians will have a three-day working week with long weekends.

On this day in 1990, during the First Congress of People's Deputies of the RSFSR, the Declaration of State Sovereignty of the RSFSR was adopted. The document proclaimed the equality of political parties and public organizations, as well as the principle of separation of powers. But most importantly, the supremacy of the Constitution of the RSFSR and its laws was declared throughout Russia. Special attention was paid to the need to expand the rights of the autonomous republics, regions and districts of the country.

Initially, the holiday was named "Independence Day", but it was used only until June 16, 1998. On February 1, 2002, the holiday officially became known as "Russia Day", which is the name enshrined in the Labor Code. In addition, on June 2, 1994, by decree of the first President of the Russian Federation Boris Yeltsin, June 12 was declared a public holiday.

day of Russia: events, symbols, traditions

Traditionally, June 12 becomes a weekend for Russians. Since Russia Day fell on Thursday in 2025, it was decided to make Friday a weekend too by postponing the weekend from March 8, which fell in 2025, to Saturday. Thus, Russians will have a three-day working week and four days off on June 12. Wednesday, June 11, will be a shortened day according to the production calendar.

Various mass events are organized all over the country in honor of the holiday — concerts, festivals, festivities. Museums and other cultural centers usually organize exhibitions and competitions dedicated to Russia Day.

One of the main symbols of the holiday is the Russian flag, which is hung for decoration on buildings, public transport and along roads on poles. The national anthem, which is another of the state symbols, is also played at official events on this day. The third symbol of the holiday is the double-headed eagle, the coat of arms of Russia. You can often find other attributes associated with Russia: a bear, the outline of the country in drawings or postcards, various objects painted in the color of the flag, girls in national costumes, etc.

The first celebration of Russia Day took place in 1995, when the Kremlin hosted a solemn ceremony of awarding State prizes (they were given to scientists, artists and literature). This tradition has been preserved to this day: on June 12, medals are awarded to the Heroes of Labor and State Awards to people who have made a significant contribution to the development of the country.

Since 2001, fireworks have become an obligatory part of Russia Day, which ended the big concert on Red Square. It starts at 22:00 Moscow time. Since 2007, the Russian Ribbon youth patriotic campaign has also been held annually, in which activists distribute tricolor ribbons to everyone.

Russia Day in Moscow in 2025: events, weather

On June 12, more than 150 events will be held in the capital at various venues that will appeal to both adults and children.

The center of Moscow has traditionally become the venue for one of the most exciting events. In 2025, on June 12, the concert will be held at the State Kremlin Palace. Russian pop stars will perform during the three-hour program.

Kolomenskoye and Izmailovo parks will also prepare a rich festive program. Many exhibitions, workshops and other entertainment events await guests at VDNKH.:

All events at VDNH are free, but some require registration.

Russia Day usually ends with a colorful fireworks display, which is launched at several venues in Moscow at once. The best panorama, as a rule, opens from the Luzhnetskaya Embankment opposite the Bolshoi Sports Arena, from Vorobyovy Gory and Poklonnaya Gory, at the Northern Gates of VDNKh, as well as from the bridges and embankments of the Moskva River.

There is no official confirmation of the information about the launch of fireworks in 2025 yet.

According to the preliminary weather forecast, it will be warm in Moscow on June 12, 16-18 degrees, and light rain is possible in the morning.

Russia Day in St. Petersburg: program of events in 2025, weather

St. Petersburg will also celebrate Russia Day on June 12 with concerts, festivals and exhibitions. A Flower Festival and brass bands will be held on the territory of the Peter and Paul Fortress, and a solemn concert will be held on St. Isaac's Square. A Blogger Festival will be held in Primorsky Victory Park, and a Ball of Nationalities will be held in the Alexander Garden.

As in Moscow, rain is expected in St. Petersburg on June 12. In the afternoon, the weather will improve, the air will warm up to +16 degrees Celsius.

Russia Day in Russian cities in 2025: where to go

Various events dedicated to Russia Day will be held throughout Russia.:

Novosibirsk. In honor of the Day, the All-Russian classical music marathon "Cantata. Russia" and the concert program "Inspired by Russia". As part of the multi-sports festival "Challenge", demonstration performances and presentations of children's sports schools and sections, as well as show performances from sports clubs will be held.

Vladivostok will celebrate Russia Day with a large-scale celebration on the embankment: concerts, master classes and a chemical show will be held here. Interactive playgrounds and creative workshops will be available for adults and children.

In Crimea, Russia Day will also be celebrated with festive concerts, actions in libraries and playgrounds.