October 28 is the Day of Grandparents in Russia: history, traditions, congratulations

Every year on October 28, Russia celebrates one of the kindest family holidays — Grandparents' Day. In 2025, it falls on a Tuesday. Izvestia tells about the history and tradition of the celebration, as well as shares warm congratulations for the older generation.

Grandparents' Day in Russia on October 28 — the history of the holiday

It is not known for certain when the Day of Grandparents appeared in Russia. According to the most common version, the holiday originated in 2009. The idea was borrowed from Dutch florists from Bloemen Bureau Holland. This organization proposed in October to give potted flowers to grandparents, symbolizing the connection of new generations with the "roots". The initiative quickly spread around the world and formed the basis for some national celebrations in honor of grandparents.

There is another version that connects the Day of Grandparents with ancient Slavic traditions. According to her, October 28 was chosen because of its proximity to the national holiday Autumn Grandfathers, dedicated to the commemoration of the ancestors. It was inextricably linked with Dmitrievsky Parental Saturday, which preceded Dmitrievsky Day (a church holiday in honor of Saints Demetrius of Thessalonica and Dmitry Donskoy). In 2025, it falls on November 1st.

Grandparents' Day in Russia in 2025: what date is celebrated, how to congratulate

The last week of October in ancient times was called Navya week. It was believed that these days the line between the world of the living (Reality) and the world of the dead (Reality) was blurred, and the souls of the ancestors returned to visit their relatives. The autumn Grandfathers, as the final day of the memorial week, symbolized the strengthening of the bond between generations.

Grandparents' Day in other countries

The tradition of honoring the older generation exists in many countries around the world, but the dates and formats of the celebration vary significantly. Each state has its own peculiarities in holding this family holiday.

• USA — National Grandparents Day is celebrated on the first Sunday of September after Labor Day;
• Germany — the holiday falls on the second Sunday of October;
• Spain — the date is fixed, Spaniards honor their older relatives on July 26;
• Great Britain — the celebration takes place on the first Sunday of October;
• France — Grandparents' Day is celebrated on the first Sunday of March.

In 2021, Pope Francis also established the World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly. It is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of July — in 2025, the holiday fell on July 27. The date was not chosen by chance — it is timed to coincide with the day of honoring Saints Joachim and Anna, who are revered as the grandparents of Jesus Christ. This international initiative highlights the importance of the role of the older generation in the modern world.

Traditions of Grandparents' Day in Russia

As a relatively young holiday, Grandparents' Day in Russia does not yet have well-established traditions. However, certain customs are already beginning to take shape and spread throughout the country.

Personal attention to older relatives has become the main tradition. On this day, it is customary to visit grandparents, gather the whole family at a festive table. Sharing tea with homemade cakes has become one of the most common ways to spend a holiday.

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Grandparents' Day is also gradually becoming official. In Moscow, participants of the Moscow Longevity program regularly celebrate this day. Free exhibitions, guided tours and various workshops are organized for representatives of the older generation.

Happy Grandparents' Day Greetings

On Grandparents' Day, it is also customary to congratulate the older family members. They are given symbolic gifts, read poetry, wish them longevity, happiness and good health. Izvestia shares examples of congratulations for the culprits of the celebration:

"Dear grandma and Grandpa, on this autumn day we want to tell you the most important thing.: Thank you for your invaluable warmth. For bedtime stories, for patience and wise advice, for hands that are always ready to hug. You are our roots and our support. We wish you health, joy every day and that you always feel how much we love you!"

"Happy Grandparents' Day! Your love is like a quiet harbor, where it is always warm and safe. Thank you for always opening your hearts to us, for finding words of comfort and sharing experiences that are more precious than any textbooks. May your life be filled with comfort, tranquility and happy moments that we will create together!"

"Happy Grandparents' Day! You are our family treasure. Your stories are the living history of our family, and your care is the most solid foundation. We wish you good spirits, clear days and that the sonorous laughter of your grandchildren will never stop in your house. You are our guiding stars, and we are immensely grateful for you!"

The payment is difficult: the average pension in three years will exceed 30 thousand rubles.

Why, with such growth, will it still be four times lower than earnings?

"Dear ones, happy Grandparents' Day! You are the wizards of our childhood, turning ordinary days into small holidays. Your faith helps you move forward, and your advice helps you make the right decisions. May your kind hearts be filled with joy from our successes, and your eyes shine with happiness. I wish you good health and lots and lots of reasons to be proud of your family!"

"Our dearest people, congratulations on Grandparents' Day! You are a living link between the past and the future, the keepers of our traditions. Your wisdom, like a lamp, illuminates our path. We wish you long years filled with respect, care and love from the whole family. May your every day be warmed by attention and gratitude!"

Earlier, Izvestia told about the history and traditions of Motorist's Day.