There are many national holidays in Russia, when people all over the country do not work and have special celebrations .The major holidays are: New Year’s day, Independence Day and National Reconciliation Day.
New Year’s day is the first holiday in a year. It is very popular. There is a New Year tree in every house and in the streets. Father Frost and Snow Maiden present children and adults with gifts. People see the New Year in the midnight on the 31st of December. They greet the New Year with wine glasses of sparking champagne and say toasts “Happy New Year!” People consider New Year’s Day to be a family holiday.
Christmas is renewed holiday in our country .It is celebrated on the 7th of January. The holiday is connected with the birth of Jesus Christ. On that day Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem.
Day of Defender of Motherland is celebrated on the 23rd of February .We congratulate our fathers, grandfathers and young men with the presents.
Women’s Day is celebrated on the 8th of March. We congratulate all the girls, mothers and grandmothers with this holiday. Usually they get flowers, cards and present s. On the 8th of March all the boys and men try to be polite, they help to cook meal and do everything about the house.
May Day is called now the Day of Spring and Labour .The members of the Trade Unions have their demonstrations on this day.
Victory Day is the greatest national holiday in our country. On the 9th of May 1945 the Soviet Army and its allies completely defeated the German fascists and the Great Patriotic War ended for our people. We lost 30 million people during this war. Many veterans meet on this day. They also participate in the military parade on the Red Square and lay wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. On the 9th of May there are many people in the streets, squares, parks. Young people usually give flowers to the veterans and thank them for the victory.
Independence Day is a new holiday in our country. On the 12th of June 1992, the first President of Russia was elected.
The 7th of November is the National holiday. In November 7, 1917 the Revolution was in Russia. We have celebrated this day as the Day of the Revolution for many years. Now it is called the National Reconciliation Day. Different parties have their meetings and manifestations on this day. They express their points of view at the development of the situation in Russia.