January 13 - Russian Press Day: history and traditions of the holiday

Every year on January 13th our country celebrates the Day of the Russian Press. This holiday is celebrated by media workers who are associated with the production of printed materials and electronic publications. In 2025, the celebration falls on Monday. "Izvestia" tells about the history and traditions of the significant day.

History of the Day of the Russian press, celebrated on January 13

The date of the holiday is timed to the release of the first newspaper in Russia "Vedomosti". This event took place in 1703, playing an important role in the development of the Russian press. The editor of the first edition, which came out with a modest circulation of one thousand copies, was Peter the Great himself. The emperor saw the newspaper as an opportunity to talk about reforms, emphasizing the significance of the transformations he had initiated.

The Vedomosti covered, among other things, industrial issues, the production of artillery pieces and the construction of the fleet. A large share of the publications was devoted to the victories of the Russian army. Peter personally selected materials, checked the quality of translations and made revisions.

At first the printing house worked in Moscow. Then the newspaper began to be published in St. Petersburg under the name "St. Petersburg Vedomosti". The circle of its readers was formed mainly by the nobility, officials and employees of various ministries and departments. In addition, by the tsar's decree, establishments were opened in the city where citizens gathered to read newspapers.

After the October Revolution the publication of Vedomosti was discontinued and resumed only in 1991. In the same year, the Day of the Russian Press was established by the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the RSFSR. Its historical predecessor was the Day of the Soviet Press, which was celebrated on May 5, the day the newspaper Pravda was founded.

Traditions of the Day of the Russian Press, events in 2025

On the holiday it is customary to congratulate all those involved in the production of printed and electronic publications: correspondents, editors, proofreaders, typesetters and photographers, as well as employees of printing houses, teachers and students of specialized areas.

On the occasion of Russian Press Day, a number of organizations hold corporate events to reward the best workers in the industry. Various forums and conferences are organized in cities to discuss current problems of the printed press and to arrange meetings with leading journalists.

Libraries, museums and other creative venues open special exhibitions dedicated to the development of the printing industry in Russia. At these exhibitions, one can see rare copies of newspapers, printing equipment and learn about the lives of prominent penmen of their time.

In 2025, similar exhibitions will be held in Moscow, Kazan and other cities. In particular, the exposition prepared by the staff of the Russian National Library in cooperation with the editorial office of the newspaper "St. Petersburg Vedomosti" will open in the House of Journalist in St. Petersburg. And in schools and colleges of the country on January 13 will be held a lesson from the cycle of Talks about the important, which will be dedicated to the Day of the Russian press.

How to congratulate on your professional holiday on January 13

Journalists receive congratulations on their holiday from the management of publishing houses, heads of the Ministry of Finance and the government, deputies of the State Duma, friends and colleagues. In their congratulations, professionals are thanked for their selfless labor, quality and prompt public information, honesty and loyalty to the profession.

Here are some examples of how to congratulate familiar journalists on the Day of the Russian press:

"I congratulate Happy Russian Press Day to all those who put great effort, soul and talent to ensure that by morning coffee we receive fresh press and the latest news. I wish creative inspiration, interesting ideas and good news."

"Happy Holidays! May every word printed with love and soul reach the hearts of your readers. I wish you more amazing stories, large circulation and recognition of your colleagues"

"More than 200 years ago the first Russian newspaper saw the light of day. Today there are more than 40 thousand printed publications in Russia. Let us thank journalists for reliable information, efficiency, honesty and relevance! Happy Russian Press Day!"

Earlier "Izvestia" told how the Day of Russian Printing Press is celebrated.