Public Holidays in Russia for 2026

New Year’s Day Introduction

New Year’s Day, celebrated on January 1st, marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year and is a worldwide occasion filled with hope and renewal. It has ancient roots, tracing back to the Babylonians around 4,000 years ago, who celebrated the new year during the vernal equinox. Traditions vary globally; in Spain, it’s customary to eat twelve grapes at midnight for good luck, while in Japan, families gather for “Oshogatsu,” enjoying special dishes like mochi. Fireworks, parties, and resolutions are common themes, symbolizing fresh starts and aspirations. Interestingly, New Year’s Day was once celebrated on different dates, such as March 25 in England, until the adoption of the Julian calendar. Today, it serves as a reminder of time’s passage, offering a chance for reflection and a commitment to personal growth in the year ahead.

New Year Holiday Introduction

The New Year Holiday, celebrated on January 1st, marks the beginning of a new calendar year and is one of the most universally recognized festivities across the globe. Originating from ancient Babylonian traditions, the celebration has evolved, incorporating various cultural customs. Interestingly, the earliest recorded New Year celebrations date back over 4,000 years, with the Babylonians welcoming spring with a festival called Akitu. Today, traditions vary widely: in Spain, people eat twelve grapes at midnight for good luck, while in Japan, families enjoy a feast called Osechi-ryori. Fireworks, parties, and resolutions are common, symbolizing hope for renewal and fresh beginnings. The holiday serves not only as a time for reflection on the past year but also as an opportunity to set goals for the future, making it a significant cultural event worldwide.

New Year Holiday Introduction

The New Year Holiday, celebrated on January 1st, marks the beginning of the Gregorian calendar year and is one of the most widely recognized and celebrated festivities across the globe. This vibrant occasion symbolizes new beginnings, fresh starts, and the opportunity for reflection and resolution. Traditions vary from country to country; for instance, in Spain, it is customary to eat twelve grapes at midnight—one for each chime of the clock—to bring good luck for the coming months. In Japan, families often visit shrines to pray for fortune in the New Year, while in the United States, the iconic ball drop in Times Square signifies the countdown to midnight. Interestingly, the celebration dates back to ancient civilizations, with the Babylonians being among the first to celebrate the New Year around 4,000 years ago. Ultimately, the New Year Holiday transcends cultural boundaries, uniting people in joy and hope as they bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new with open arms.

New Year Holiday Introduction

The New Year Holiday is a vibrant celebration marking the transition from one year to the next, observed with great enthusiasm across the globe. It typically occurs on January 1st, following the Gregorian calendar, although various cultures celebrate on different dates. This festive occasion is steeped in rich traditions, including fireworks, countdowns, and communal gatherings. In many cultures, it’s a time for reflection and setting resolutions for personal growth in the coming year. Did you know that the earliest recorded New Year celebrations date back over 4,000 years to ancient Babylon? They celebrated the arrival of spring with a festival known as Akitu. Interestingly, different cultures have unique customs; for example, in Spain, it’s traditional to eat twelve grapes at midnight, one for each stroke of the clock, symbolizing luck for the new year. From lively parties to solemn rituals, the New Year Holiday embodies hope and renewal, fostering a sense of unity and joy as people around the world welcome new beginnings.

Orthodox Christmas Day Introduction

Orthodox Christmas Day, celebrated on January 7th, is one of the most significant holidays in the Eastern Orthodox Christian tradition. This date aligns with the Julian calendar, which is 13 days behind the Gregorian calendar used by most of the world. As a result, while many celebrate Christmas on December 25th, Orthodox Christians honor the birth of Jesus Christ in early January. This day is marked by rich traditions, including midnight church services, festive meals, and communal gatherings. Notably, countries like Russia, Ukraine, and Greece have unique customs, such as the preparation of special dishes like kutya or the lighting of candles to symbolize the light of Christ. The holiday is also a time for reflection, family unity, and charitable acts, emphasizing the spirit of giving and love that Christmas embodies.