Russian National Holidays

January 1st - New Year’s Day
January 7th - Russia Orthodox Christmas Day
February 23rd - Defenders of the Motherland Day
March 8th - International Women’s Day
May 1st - Labor Day
May 9th - Victory Day (1945)
June 12th - Independence Day
November 7th - Day of Accord and Reconciliation

Russians love to celebrate and take their national holidays very seriously. Orthodox Christmas is the largest national and religious holiday. Easter, accompanied by the famous and elaborately painted Easter eggs, is also a time of celebration (though not a national holiday). The decoration of the alter and the blessing of the Easter Cake are two of the Russian Orthodox traditions you will witness. Finally, you will attend Easter night service at the Church of John the Warrior.