Russia Day marks the declaration of Russian sovereignty in 1990, symbolizing the country's independence, national pride, and renewal. It is a public holiday celebrated with concerts, fireworks and patriotic events across Russia, honoring its heritage and unity.

When is Russia Day?

Russia Day is celebrated on June 12 every year.

The following is the list of Russia Day from 2020 to 2049.

The History of Russia Day?

Russia Day is one of the most important modern national holidays in the Russian Federation. Its origins trace back to the final years of the Soviet Union, a time of major political change and reform known as restructuring under Mikhail Gorbachev.

On June 12, 1990, the First Congress of People's Deputies of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic (RSFSR) adopted the Declaration of State Sovereignty of the Russian Federation. This document asserted the primacy of Russian laws over Soviet laws and marked the beginning of the transition from a Soviet republic to an independent state. The declaration emphasized principles of democracy, separation of powers, and equality among all citizens, laying the groundwork for a new constitutional order.

The adoption of the sovereignty declaration was a crucial step in the dissolution of the Soviet Union. It signaled Russia's intention to define its own political and economic future, distinct from the central Soviet government in Moscow.

Over the next year, many other Soviet republics followed suit, declaring their own sovereignty and independence. On December 25, 1991, the USSR officially ceased to exist, and the Russian Federation emerged as its successor state, inheriting its seat at the United Nations and other international institutions.

In 1992, the new Russian government designated June 12 as a national holiday, initially called the Day of the Adoption of the Declaration of State Sovereignty of Russia. However, at the time, many citizens were still adjusting to the economic and social upheavals of the post-Soviet transition, so the holiday was met with mixed feelings.

In 1994, President Boris Yeltsin issued a decree officially recognizing June 12 as a state holiday, emphasizing its significance as the birthday of modern Russia.

In 2002, the holiday was formally renamed "Russia Day" by federal law. The new name reflected a shift in meaning, from a political declaration of independence to a celebration of national unity, identity and statehood. It is also seen as Russia's equivalent of an Independence Day, though it celebrates sovereignty rather than full separation from the USSR. The day promotes patriotic spirit, emphasizing Russia's role as a modern and independent state in the global community.