When is Russian Unity Day?

The Day of Unity is a public holiday in Russia observed on November 4th.

This is Russia’s newest holiday and is a national holiday aimed at promoting patriotism and tolerance between ethnic and religious groups in Russia.

History of Russian Unity Day?

It was created in 2004 and celebrates the liberation of Moscow from Polish troops in 1612, led by Kuzma Minin and Dmitry Pozharsky. This event marked the end of the «time of troubles» and foreign intervention in Russia. It led to Mikhail Romanov’s accession to the throne.

The event was marked by a public holiday which was celebrated in Russia on October 22nd from 1649 till 1917.

The name of the day is in recognition that all the classes of Russian society united to save Russia, even though there was no Tsar to lead them.

How is Russian Unity Day Celebrated?

The holiday replaced the Day of Accord and Reconciliation, established by former President Boris Yeltsin following the collapse of the Soviet Union, which was itself a replacement for Revolution Day. Revolution Day (November 7th) celebrated the 1917 October Revolution. Without a replacement, Russians would have been faced with a stretch from June to January without a national holiday.

Given it’s closeness to the old holiday, many Russians probably haven’t noticed that much change and to help the transition, the holiday is celebrated in the same manner as the old holiday with fireworks, food, and drink.