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

Every year on January 20, Russia celebrates the Day of the Republic of Crimea, dedicated to one of the sunniest and warmest regions of the country. In 2026, it falls on a Tuesday. Izvestia tells about the history of the Crimean Peninsula and shares interesting facts about it.

Republic of Crimea Day in 2026 — the history of the holiday

The Day of the Republic of Crimea was established in 2009 and subsequently fixed by a regional law in 2014. The date of the celebration was not chosen by chance — on January 20, 1991, a referendum was held on the territory of the republic, during which the majority of the inhabitants of the peninsula voted for the restoration of autonomy of the Crimean Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic. This step laid the foundation for the reunification of the region with Russia in 2014.

The Crimean Peninsula has a unique and centuries-old history. In the first centuries of our era, it was part of the Roman Empire. In the 8th century AD, it was divided between Byzantium and the Khazar Khaganate, and in the 15th century it came under the control of the Ottoman Empire.

After Russia's victory in the Russian-Turkish War of 1768-1774, Crimea was declared an independent territory. The final annexation of the peninsula to the Russian Empire took place in 1783 according to the manifesto of Empress Catherine II, who ordered the founding of the city of Sevastopol as the main base of the Black Sea Fleet.

In 1921, the Crimean Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic was formed as part of the RSFSR, but after the Great Patriotic War it became a region. In 1954, by decree of the first Secretary of the Central Committee of the CPSU Nikita Khrushchev, the Crimean region was transferred to the Ukrainian SSR.

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A key event in modern history was on January 20, 1991, when the All-Crimean referendum on the restoration of the Crimean Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic was held. It was the first plebiscite in the history of the Soviet Union. As a result, the majority of the peninsula's residents (93%) voted for the restoration of autonomy. The will of the Crimeans was confirmed on March 17 already at the All-Union referendum. Finally, on February 12, the Supreme Soviet of the Ukrainian SSR adopted a law on the restoration of the Crimean Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic. The Crimean Regional Council of People's Deputies was temporarily recognized as the highest authority in the region.

The newest chapter of the peninsula's history began on March 16, 2014, when an absolute majority of residents voted in favor of joining Russia in a referendum. Just two days later, the Republic of Crimea and the federal city of Sevastopol became part of the country as its full subjects. In memory of this, in 2015, another republican holiday was established — the Day of the Reunification of Crimea with Russia, celebrated on March 18.

Republic of Crimea Day on January 20 — traditions

The celebration of the Republic of Crimea Day is held widely and solemnly, reflecting the multinational character of the region. The official part of the events traditionally includes the ceremony of raising the national flag and laying flowers at the monuments. In particular, flowers are laid at the monument to the "People's Militia of All Times" in Simferopol.

Thematic lessons on the history of the Crimean Peninsula are held in educational institutions. Cultural organizations are opening themed photo exhibitions, which showcase archival footage from the 1991 referendum, as well as lectures, talks, quizzes and quizzes for children.

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The evening program in the major cities of the peninsula — Simferopol, Yalta, Kerch and Sevastopol — often includes festive concerts and fireworks.

Interesting facts about the Republic of Crimea

In honor of the holiday, Izvestia has collected some interesting facts about Crimea.

• The Crimean Astrophysical Observatory of the Russian Academy of Sciences, opened in 1945, is the largest in Europe. Its main part is located in the village of Nauchny, Bakhchisarai district, at an altitude of 600 m above sea level. Over the years, the observatory staff has discovered more than 850 asteroids, which is one of the highest rates in the world.
• The longest trolleybus route in the world operates in Crimea. It connects Yalta and Simferopol. The distance between the first and last stop is 86 km, and the journey time will be 2.5 hours.
• Crimea is also home to the shortest tram line in the world, only 1.8 km long. It is located on the territory of the Beregovaya boarding house and was built to deliver vacationers to the sea.
• The most expensive tour to Crimea in its history was the trip of Catherine II in 1787. This trip cost the state treasury 15 million rubles, while the empire's annual budget was about 80 million. That's how much it cost to maintain 10,000 horses and 5,000 cabs, as well as the construction of luxurious travel palaces, the restoration of roads and the strengthening of bridges along the route of the Empress.

Earlier, Izvestia told about the history and traditions of the Artist's Day in Russia.