January 20 - Day of the Republic of Crimea: history and traditions of the holiday

Every year on January 20, the Day of the Republic of Crimea is celebrated in Russia. In 2025, it falls on a Monday. "Izvestia" tells the history of this southern region and shares interesting facts about it.

Day of the Republic of Crimea on January 20 - the history of the holiday

The main holiday of the Republic of Crimea was established in 2009, and after the return of the peninsula to Russia in 2014 - enshrined in the relevant regional law. As a date for it was chosen the day of the 1991 referendum on the restoration of the Crimean Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic (ASSR). The subject lost this status in 1945, becoming an oblast within the RSFSR.

The referendum on the restoration of the Crimean ASSR was the first plebiscite in the history of the Soviet Union. On January 20, 93% of the peninsula's population voted for autonomy. This event significantly affected Crimea's status within Ukraine and also laid the groundwork for its return to the Russian Federation.

The Crimean peninsula has a rich history, a significant part of which is connected with Russia. In the first centuries AD it was part of the Roman Empire. Since the VIII century, this territory was divided between Byzantium and Khazaria. In 1478 Crimea came under the control of the Ottoman Empire, becoming the main stronghold for raids on Russia.

Peninsula of transformation: what new objects attract tourists to Crimea

In 2024 curious places appeared in Alushta, Gurzuf, Yalta, Simferopol, near the resort "Mriya"

After the Russian-Turkish war of 1768-1774, which ended with the victory of the Russian side, Crimea was declared an independent territory. And in 1783, Empress Catherine II issued a manifesto on the annexation of the peninsula to Russia. In the same year, construction began on the fortress port of Sevastopol, which became the main base of the Black Sea Fleet. According to the results of the next Russian-Turkish war (1787-1791), the territories of the northern Black Sea region were secured for Russia.

Subsequently, the Crimean peninsula became a theater of military operations more than once. Its defenders showed themselves during the Crimean War (1853-1856) and the First World War.

In 1921, the Crimean Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic was formed, which became part of the RSFSR, but after the Great Patriotic War its status was changed to a region. And in 1954, Nikita Khrushchev, First Secretary of the CPSU Central Committee, signed a decree transferring Crimea to the Ukrainian SSR.

In March 2014, a referendum was held in Crimea, according to the results of which 96% of voters voted in favor of returning the peninsula to Russia. Since then, the Republic of Crimea and Sevastopol have been full-fledged subjects of the Russian Federation.

Day of the Republic of Crimea in 2025 - traditions

In honor of the Day of the Republic of Crimea, concerts, festivals, fairs and flash mobs are held for residents and guests of the region. Museums and exhibition centers prepare expositions devoted to the history and culture of the peninsula. In schools and kindergartens there are thematic classes, during which children learn about the formation of their native land and familiarize themselves with its main symbols: coat of arms, flag and anthem. Various contests, games, competitions and performances are also organized for young Crimeans.

Day of the Republic of Crimea - 2025: interesting facts about Crimea

In honor of the holiday "Izvestia" prepared several interesting facts about the Crimea.

The longest trolleybus route in the world connecting Simferopol and Yalta is located on the territory of the peninsula. The distance between the initial and final stops on this route is 85 kilometers, and to travel it will take 2.5 hours.

In the Crimea also operates the largest in Europe unsupported cable car. It can be used to go up from the village of Miskhor to the Ai-Petri mountain. The length of the route is 2980 meters, and the highest point is located at 1152 meters above sea level. In total, the "cable car" has three stations, and between the middle and the upper one there are no support stations for 1670 meters.

The Crimean War of 1853-1856 was important not only for the political structure of the world, but also for the fashion industry. Balaclavas were invented during this conflict. Approaching Sevastopol in October 1854, British troops expected to win before the onset of cold weather, but the defense of the city lasted 349 days. During the winter, the high winds caused soldiers to suffer from frostbite, and to help them, British women began knitting hats to cover their faces. The cardigan was another Crimean War invention. The warm buttoned jacket was named after British military commander James Thomas Bradnell, 7th Earl of Cardigan. The commander received it as a gift during the campaign.

Earlier "Izvestia" told about the history and traditions of celebrating the Day of reunification of Crimea with Russia.