Russia Day: Celebrating Russian identity and heritage on June 12...
Russia Day on June 12 celebrates Russia's sovereignty, marking the 1990 declaration of independence from the Soviet Union. It's a day of national pride, unity, and cultural reflection.
Russia's National Day, celebrated on June 12, marks a significant moment in the country's history—the anniversary of the declaration of Russia's sovereignty from the Soviet Union in 1990.
Known as Russia Day, this national holiday is an opportunity for Russians to reflect on their national identity, pride, and the transformative years following the dissolution of the USSR.
The significance of June 12 is rooted in the events of 1990 when the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic (RSFSR) formally declared its sovereignty.
This move signalled a major step towards independence, leading to the eventual dissolution of the Soviet Union the following year, in December 1991.
With the creation of the post of the President of the Russian Federation and the adoption of the new Russian Constitution to reflect the new political reality, the national flag, anthem, and emblem of the Russian Federation were major landmarks in the consolidation of Russian statehood.
The country's new name, the Russian Federation, was adopted on December 25, 1991. In 1992, the Supreme Soviet of Russia proclaimed June 12 a national holiday.
Under a subsequent presidential decree on June 16, 1998, the holiday was officially named "Russia Day".
The declaration of sovereignty was a key turning point, establishing Russia as an independent entity separate from the USSR, with its own distinct political, economic, and cultural identity.
While the holiday's origins are tied to the dissolution of the Soviet Union, its focus has evolved. Initially, the day was celebrated as the Russian Federation Day, but it has since come to represent the broader themes of national unity, patriotism, and Russian history.
According to some surveys, many Russians think that this holiday is Russia's Independence Day, but the holiday has never had such a name in official documents.
President Putin’s Russia Day Speech
Vladimir Putin: Dear friends,
My fellow Russians,
I warmly congratulate you on the national holiday, Russia Day.
On this day we honour our Homeland, a country with a thousand-year history and a unique heritage. A country that unites a multitude of peoples, territories and cultures on its vast expanse.
It is a holiday of national unity that is being marked today in all the regions of our boundless country.
Together with Russia it is being marked by all those who hold the Russian land dear and close to their hearts.
We appreciate these feelings. And we wish well, we wish prosperity and well-being to all our fellow countrymen.
As Russia celebrates its holiday, it is a united nation. We have just seen all the regions of the Russian Federation stage a colourful parade in Red Square. Their successes and their labour contribute to the strength and dignity of a great country. It is in the regions that its riches are generated. It is in the regions that live the people for the sake of whom and for whose benefit the Russian state is growing stronger and developing.
For every person Russia is above all the place he lives in. So Russia Day has not only a national, but a personal dimension. Wherever we were born and wherever we are raised, it is our own homeland.
Together we are one, a single and mighty Russian people.
Yes, we know from our experience that it is better to live in a strong and united family. We know that we should treat Russia carefully and solicitously.
Only together can we make it an economically powerful, democratic country open to the world.
Only together can we make the Russian state enduring and the country a good place to live for us, for our children and grandchildren.
Our songs were played here today. They were created in various periods of history, but they are still remembered and loved by the people.
These songs are about all of us, about our love of our country, about a united, indivisible, strong and great country.
My fellow Russians,
Every year in our centuries-long history, whether triumphant or dramatic, is part of the fate of our native land. So it is part of our common destiny. The destiny of millions of our ancestors who defended and transformed Russia, who multiplied its achievements and handed them down to their children.
Our predecessors have taught us that such a country as Russia can only exist if it is strong. We have no right to forget history, history with all its bright and grim pages.
Today we already have the foundation on which we can build a solid future for our great country. A future for many years and decades ahead.
We know that our strength is in consolidation. Our victories are in solid unity. Russia is aware of its potential. It knows this and it is confident of its strength. The confidence comes from the country’s citizens, from the whole of Russian society.
Congratulations, dear friends, on Russia Day.
Russia Day serves as a reminder of the country's journey through transformation, marked by challenges, triumphs, and a constant push for development and self-determination.
Over the years, Russia has seen remarkable shifts in its political landscape, economic structure, and global standing. From the chaotic 1990s to the growing stability of the 2000s, Russia has faced a tumultuous yet resilient march forward.
Russia Day, therefore, is not just a commemoration of independence, but also a time to honour the people’s determination to rebuild and redefine their country.
Festivities on Russia Day are both solemn and celebratory. In the capital city, Moscow, grand events such as parades, concerts, and fireworks take place, drawing large crowds of citizens and dignitaries alike.
The President of Russia traditionally gives a speech to the nation, underscoring the achievements of the Russian people while also acknowledging the challenges that remain.
One of the main symbols of Russia Day is the Russian tricolour flag—white, blue, and red—which represents the unity of the Russian people. The flag is prominently displayed across the country during the holiday, flying atop government buildings, monuments, and businesses.
These colours, rich in history, have become a powerful symbol of Russian resilience, culture, and pride.
The significance of Russia Day is also felt in the arts, with exhibitions, theatre performances, and cultural displays highlighting the nation’s rich cultural heritage.
Prominent Russian writers, scientists and humanitarian workers receive State Awards from the President of Russia on this day.
In addition, citizens across the country take the time to participate in community events, reflect on the country’s achievements, and discuss their hopes for the future.
The holiday is also an important opportunity for the Russian people to engage in public service activities. Volunteerism has grown in prominence, with many Russians dedicating their time to charitable causes and social initiatives on this day.
It is a chance to show solidarity and reaffirm the collective strength of the nation.
In recent years, Russia Day has become an increasingly important part of the country’s international image, with events hosted in Russian embassies across the world, fostering a sense of unity among the Russian diaspora.
This worldwide celebration of Russian culture helps to connect citizens with their homeland and reinforces the global presence of Russian identity.
However, many Russians see Russia Day only as a day off. As it commemorates the Soviet Union's dissolution, it brings back bitter memories for some. This is because the dissolution coincided with severe unemployment, high crime and poverty within Russia and other former Soviet republics.