August 10 — Builder's Day in Russia: history, traditions, how to congratulate
In Russia, on the second Sunday of August, Builder's Day is celebrated — a professional holiday for all those involved in the construction of parks, buildings, roads and bridges. Traditionally, engineers, architects, government officials and construction companies are congratulated on this day. In 2025, the celebration falls on August 10th. Izvestia tells us when the holiday appeared, how it is celebrated and how to congratulate on this significant day.
Builder's Day in Russia — the history of the holiday
Builder's Day has been celebrated for almost 70 years. The decree on the establishment of the holiday was issued in 1955. It is believed that it was initiated by Nikita Khrushchev, who at that time held the position of first secretary of the Central Committee of the CPSU. In those years, large-scale construction was underway in the country. Hydroelectric power plants, railways, canals, and typical apartment buildings known as Khrushchev buildings were built in the cities. And the profession of a builder has become one of the most honorable.
For the first time, celebrations in honor of the builders took place in 1956, when the grand opening of the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow took place. It was a great event for the whole country, as the project of the complex was prepared in just three months, and it was built in record time — in 450 days. The ceremony was attended by everyone who created the arena: from architects to builders.
Later, the Day of the Builder was celebrated annually with the presentation of state awards and mass festivities in Gorky Park. Over the years, there has been a tradition of opening new buildings and facilities, most often metro stations. These traditions have continued in modern Russia. So, in 2000, just in time for the holiday, a large and important project was completed — the restoration of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior.
In 2011, when the 55th anniversary of Builder's Day was celebrated in the country, the holiday was declared federal. In 2026, it will be the 70th anniversary. It is still celebrated not only in Russia, but also in Ukraine, Belarus, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and other post-Soviet republics. Celebrations also take place on the second Sunday of August.
How to celebrate Builder's Day in 2025
Every year, employees and veterans of the construction industry are congratulated by representatives of the government, the Ministry of Construction and Housing and Communal Services (Minstroy) and the President of Russia - his telegram is published on the Kremlin's website. So, in one of the previous addresses, the head of state called the industry the locomotive of the national economy and noted the dedicated work of builders, especially those who are engaged in the restoration of new territories of the Russian Federation.
In addition to the authorities, the builders are congratulated by their colleagues and relatives. Organizations organize corporate events. The best employees are awarded prizes and diplomas. Banquets are also organized at construction sites. Sometimes the management of the company comes to congratulate the employees working at the facilities.
As a rule, each region prepares its own events. These may include musical performances, sports competitions, meetings with veterans and government officials. In some cities, exhibitions of architectural projects, excursions to large construction sites, and parades of construction equipment are organized. For example, in 2023, trucks, tractors, excavators and a hydraulic lift passed through Vologda in a column as part of such a parade.
Another tradition of Builder's Day is dedication to the profession. Young specialists are presented with bread and salt, symbolizing the "pood of salt" that must be eaten in order to master the specialty. Then they offer to hold their hands over the fire to feel that this job is not for Belarusians. After that, a construction helmet is put on the head of the initiate.
Interesting facts about Builder's Day
Especially for the celebration, Izvestia collected interesting facts about builders:
— Builders have their own patron gods. In ancient cultures, these were the god Enki among the Sumerians, Ptah among the Egyptians, and Lu Ban among the Chinese. In ancient Greece, they were patronized by several gods at once — Athena, Apollo and Hephaestus. In Orthodoxy, Saint Spyridon of Trimifunt is considered the patron saint of builders.
— Like other specialists, builders have their own customs. One of the oldest that existed in Russia was to lay a coin in the foundation of a house under construction. When erecting the first residential building in a block or complex, it is customary to break a bottle of champagne on the first slab. And the custom of drinking champagne from helmets is popular among subway builders. This is done when completing the assembly of underground tunnels.
— According to the Ministry of Construction, about 12 million people work in the construction sector today. Moreover, about 15% of the total number of employees are women.
— The industry is one of the leaders in terms of salary growth rates. According to the website "GorodRabot.<url>", in July 2025, the average salary of a builder was more than 135 thousand rubles. Despite this, there is still a shortage of labor in construction, especially among concrete workers, installers and gas welders.
— The tallest building in our country, as well as in the whole of Europe, is the Lakhta Center skyscraper, located on the coast of the Gulf of Finland. Its height is 462 m. The second place belongs to the Eastern Federation Tower in Moscow.
Congratulations on Builder's Day on August 10th
Every year, specialists from various fields are congratulated on Builder's Day. Among them are those who prepare projects and estimates, keep legal and accounting records, and also work on construction sites: workers, crane operators, foremen working with concrete, reinforcement and finishing, plasterers, painters, foremen and foremen.
Students and teachers of construction universities are joining the celebration. By the way, there are more than 170 higher educational institutions with construction specialties in Russia. The largest of them is the Moscow State University of Civil Engineering (formerly MISI named after V.V. Kuibyshev), St. Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering, Novosibirsk State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering, and several others.
The easiest way to remember the celebration is to send a greeting card with warm wishes in messengers or social networks. Here are some examples of how to wish Happy Builder's Day in prose in your own words:
"Dear builders! I sincerely congratulate you on your professional holiday! Your work is a real art that requires skill, precision and strength. You create not only buildings, but also comfort, comfort and safety for all of us. Each of your projects is a dream come true, the result of hard work and boundless dedication. I wish you good health, inexhaustible energy and new professional heights!"
"Congratulations on Builder's Day! May every day bring joy from the work done, respect from colleagues, and gratitude from the millions of Russians who travel the roads and live in the houses you build, and have the opportunity to get to work quickly thanks to the new metro stations. May your buildings serve people for many years, and there will always be a place for happiness, family warmth and well-being in your life!"
"Happy holidays, builders! I wish you that all facilities are built easily and delivered on time. So that your profession is always appreciated, and the results of your work inspire and delight us all! I wish you inexhaustible energy and strength, success in your work, cheerfulness, optimism and great personal happiness!"
"Congratulations on your professional holiday to all builders — people who literally create a wonderful world around us: they build schools, playgrounds, parks and create comfortable spaces in every city. May not only the buildings you build, but also your own homes be filled with love and happiness, and comfort and harmony reign in families!"
"Congratulations on Builder's Day! On this wonderful summer holiday, I want to note that not only the song helps to build and live, but first of all people who are professionals in their field! I wish you to build solidly and reliably, and to live a fun and happy life. May you have the strength and inspiration to implement all projects and ideas, both work and personal. Happy holidays!"
Earlier, Izvestia reported on Metallurgist's Day, which was celebrated in Russia at the end of July.
Переведено сервисом «Яндекс Переводчик»
