What kind of holiday is Russian Independence Day on June 12 in Russia
Each large and small state has its own special holidays, which are closely connected with the main stages of its formation. This is a generally accepted world practice that allows people to be reminded that the state is united and everyone’s achievements are significant and valuable for the state. One of such days in the Russian Federation is Russia Day. Its history is known from school, it is not long-term, because the state has been independent for only 30 years. This does not reduce the significance and value of the head of the date.
The date chosen for celebrating Independence Day was not accidental. In 1990, on June 12, a document on the sovereign structure of the Russian Federation was signed. The movement towards complete autonomy and secession from the USSR became a massive impetus for the beginning of a new milestone in the history of modern Russia. Since then, the country has been developing rapidly and has gained authority in the world political arena.
What the President said
Vladimir Zelensky’s speech was based on four main messages. Firstly, on the effect that was achieved in 29 days of the truce: there were no wounded or dead (“Recently, while in the east, I asked local residents if they had heard the news that we had agreed on “silence.” They answered : “We don’t hear news. We hear silence,” the president illustrated the truce). The lack of military equipment and the parade as such was explained by the need for this equipment on the front line.
Secondly, I paid tribute to the doctors who are fighting the Covid-19 epidemic. Here he gave an analogy with the “motherland”, which would like health for its children. Thirdly, he threw critical spears towards his predecessors, “those who robbed our mother Ukraine for many years because they never considered her native.”
Fourthly (and most importantly), he gave unifying messages, as in his New Year greetings to Ukrainians. “We can only create the country of our dreams together. All 25 regions. We are all a team. Dream team (from English dream team) from each region. This is our Ukrainian team. Where there are no “breadwinners” or “subsidized” ones, because each region is strong and wealthy,” the president concluded.
At the same time, previous mistakes were taken into account: in his New Year’s address, he uttered the phrase “it makes no difference next to which monument you wait for the girl you’re in love with,” provoking the patriotic part of the listeners (for this purpose in the winter they even came up with the hashtag “#what a difference”).
Why is Russia Day celebrated on this day, June 12?
The date of the holiday remains unchanged, because it is what connects the main events that are significant for an independent country. In 1990, the Declaration of Sovereignty was proclaimed, containing the basic orders, laws and foundations of the state.
Another year later, elections were held, and 6 years later, on June 12, the current president B.N. Yeltsin approved the date of the holiday for the entire country. There were no disputes when determining a specific number; modern history has decided everything.
Attention!
Russian Independence Day is the main springboard from which the history of the modern, great and independent Russian Federation began.
The history of the Russian Day holiday
June 12 is significant for every citizen of modern Russia. It has a close connection simultaneously with two fateful events in the history of the state. Several years ago on this day the Declaration of Sovereignty was adopted and proclaimed. The document was signed by top officials, and a course of development was outlined that separates the Russian Federation from other CIS countries.
1 year later, on June 12, the first presidential elections were held, taking into account all the norms and rules necessary for the recognition of democracy. For the first time, the people went to the polls and decided the fate of the country by voting. In the course of a legitimate struggle, Boris Yeltsin rightly won; he was the first to have the honor of leading independent Russia at the stage of its formation as a separate state.
Why is this day June 12 important for all Russians?
Independence Day of the Russian Federation is not just a public holiday. This is the date of civil peace, the unity of peoples living on the territory of an immense country. On this date, people rejoice and move out, hang state flags on windows and balconies, listen to patriotic music, and attend holiday concerts.
Against the background of the international situation of our days, the holiday takes on a completely different meaning. Now its name has been changed - it has become simply Russia Day. This is significant, because citizens of different nationalities live in different regions, cities, towns and villages. In this country, something happens that does not exist in others - thanks to a reasonable approach, 180 nationalities on the territory have preserved their traditions, languages and culture.
Attention!
Definitely, Russia and its citizens have something to be proud of, and one day a year is not enough to show all emotions, which is why National Unity Day is celebrated annually on November 4th. It is also accompanied by noisy celebrations, concerts and festive events in the main squares.
What do people do on this holiday, Russia Day, traditions and customs?
There are certain traditions observed by citizens and the country's leadership on Independence Day.
List of main ones:
- In 1992, the first president of the Russian Federation founded the State Prize, which could be received by people who contributed to the development of art and literature. The first presentation took place on June 12, 1995, and from that day on the tradition took hold. Since 2005, the current president has presented incentive awards in the fields of art, humanitarian work, science and technology annually on Russia Day.
- A ceremonial reception is being held within the walls of the Kremlin palace, which is attended by top officials of the state and leaders of other friendly countries.
- The current President of the Russian Federation always addresses the citizens of his country with a congratulatory speech.
- Since 1996, concerts and processions are held on holidays in all Russian cities, ending with festive fireworks.
- There are regional traditions, such as the Moscow Kremlin Mile Marathon.
Since 2007, under the leadership of the Young Guard movement and the United Russia party, an action has been taking place to popularize the symbols of the country. Representatives of these companies are volunteers and distribute tricolor ribbons to everyone. It is customary to wear it on the chest in the style of St. George’s, attaching it to clothing. Not everyone follows this tradition; they use the cut to decorate cars, bags or other accessories. According to the standards for handling the banner, this is unacceptable.
Celebrating Independence Day
Photos from open sources
The main celebrations at the state level take place in Kyiv, where the President of Ukraine usually gives a gala reception for Independence Day. Also, the top officials of the state lay flowers at the monuments of prominent Ukrainians and participate in prayer for Ukraine, which traditionally takes place in St. Sophia of Kyiv with the participation of representatives of all faiths that exist in Ukraine.
This year a number of thematic, cultural events, exhibitions, etc. related to the holiday are expected.
State symbols of Russia and interesting facts
Each country has its own national and state symbols and Russia is no exception. The main ones for her are the anthem, flag and coat of arms. Over the years and the transition of the device to a sovereign one, they changed, which made it necessary to abandon the old ones in favor of the new ones.
Interesting Facts:
- For 70 years, the Kremlin flagpole displayed a scarlet flag with a hammer and sickle. It was replaced by the tricolor, familiar to the image of modern Russia, in 1991. This decision was made at the Extraordinary Session of the Supreme Council on August 22. The flag appeared in the form of a rectangular canvas of three stripes of equal width: white, blue and red.
- The symbolic meaning of the flag is analyzed as follows: white - nobility and frankness, blue - fidelity, honesty, chastity, red - courage, boldness, strength, generosity and love.
- Everyone remembers Mikhalkov’s great creation “The Union of Indestructible Free Republics.” It was played at all official events of the CIS countries until December 11, 1993. The modern anthem “Russia, Our Sacred Power” was officially adopted and confirmed by presidential decree by V.V. Putin on March 24, 2001.
- An equally significant symbol is the country’s coat of arms, made in the form of a double-headed eagle, looking in different directions, covering Europe and Asia with its gaze. It is the main symbol of the unity and sovereignty of the state. Unlike other state symbols, it remained almost unchanged for many years, with only minor modifications.
Attention!
Everyone should respect the state symbols of their country.
They are the embodiment of the centuries-old history and traditions of the people. Russia Day is a significant public holiday, which is celebrated annually on June 12. It represents the main starting point for writing the modern history of Russia, the first sentences of which were created after the collapse of the USSR. Until 2002, this holiday was called Independence Day, and then it was renamed Russia Day - this better reflects the meaning.
Ukraine celebrates the 29th anniversary of independence: all the details
Photo: Independence Day (RBC-Ukraine)
Author: Anna Berezina
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Due to quarantine, the main national holiday is being held in a non-standard format
The coronavirus pandemic has made adjustments to the traditional Independence Day program. Today, on August 24, the main celebrations are held not on the Maidan, but on Sofiyskaya and Mikhailovskaya squares. However, the March of Defenders has also been announced, which attracted more than 10 thousand participants last year. Read more about the celebration of Independence Day 2020 on RBC-Ukraine.
16:20 The National Police stated that there were no offenses during mass events in Kyiv. Security in the city was ensured by 4.5 thousand law enforcement officers, rescuers and National Guard soldiers.
13:45 The march of the defenders of Ukraine ended on Independence Square. About 50 thousand people took part in it. At the end of the procession, people on the Maidan sang the Ukrainian anthem.
11:00 The March of Defenders of Ukraine takes place in the center of Kyiv, in which relatives of fallen soldiers, heroes of the Heavenly Hundred and prisoners, as well as active military personnel, veterans and volunteers take part.
The action takes place without party flags, but under the banners of military units taking part in the war in Donbass and veteran organizations.
10:26 Celebrations on the occasion of Ukraine's Independence Day on Sofiyskaya Square have ended. At the same time, a number of other events are planned for today. In particular, the March of Defenders of Ukraine will take place in Kyiv. According to the Ministry of Internal Affairs, 200 dialogue police officers will work at events on the occasion of Independence Day in Kyiv. In total, more than 4 thousand police officers and national guardsmen keep order in Kyiv.
09:37 Zelensky said that the fight against coronavirus is as important as the truce.
“We are doing everything possible to overcome the coronavirus in Ukraine, we have established production, we are restoring hospitals, but the most important thing we have is our doctors... We need to responsibly observe safety measures and then the message from the Minister of Health will be as joyful as the one from Chief of the General Staff (about the absence of combat losses - ed.): today in Ukraine there were 0 sick people, 0 deaths,” he said.
The head of state also noted that military equipment is now located in the east of Ukraine, where it is now needed. And the traditional parade will take place after achieving peace.
“When there is lasting peace on our land, we will make a big parade of all our troops and equipment. After him, no one will even have the thought of disturbing the peace in Ukraine,” the president emphasized.
09:30 “Today is the 29th day for me and our country - good morning. There have been no combat losses for 29 days, cities and villages have not hidden their heroes for 29 days, mothers have not cried for 29 days,” Zelensky said.
President Volodymyr Zelensky and first lady Olena Zelenska take part in the development of the 29th river of independence of Ukraine.
President Volodymyr Zelensky and first lady Olena Zelenska take part in the development of the 29th river of independence of Ukraine. Published by the Office of the President of Ukraine Week, September 23, 2020
“We ask God for one thing: let the days of silence become months, and then years... And we believe that this will definitely come, because we send prayers from this iconic place, from St. Sophia Square,” he added.
09:05 Celebrations began in Kyiv on the occasion of the anniversary of Ukraine's independence. President Vladimir Zelensky takes part in the festive events.
Procession of veterans
For the second year in a row, the March of Defenders of Ukraine is held in the center of Kyiv on August 24.
Photo: March of Defenders 2020 (facebook.com/RVUkraina)
ATO veterans, representatives of volunteer organizations, soldiers of volunteer battalions will march in columns from the Park named after. Shevchenko to European Square via Khreshchatyk.
The event starts at 09:00. The leader of the “National Corps” Andrei Biletsky announced this in his video message. He also said that after the march, veterans will gather for a protest rally near the building of the President’s Office.
Various public and volunteer organizations will take part in the March of Defenders. Thus, the civil society organization “On the Right of Communities” will join the procession in a separate column at the station. m. "University". It will be led by the hero of Ukraine, General of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Mikhail Zabrodsky and the commander of the Ukrainian Volunteer Army Dmitry Yarosh.
Official events
This year, Independence Day celebrations are taking place in a special format due to quarantine restrictions. The Cabinet of Ministers approved a plan for celebrations with centers on Sophia and Mikhailovskaya squares in Kyiv, instead of the traditional Maidan and Khreshchatyk. Events start at 09:00.
President Vladimir Zelensky and his wife will take part in a memorial ceremony for the fallen defenders of Ukraine on the square near St. Michael's Cathedral.
The head of state will also present state awards and make a speech on St. Sophia Square.
In addition, on August 24, prayer services and flower-laying ceremonies will be held in the capital and cities of the country at memorial signs and graves of prominent Ukrainians, independence fighters, fallen participants in the Revolution of Dignity, and the ATO.
Action on European Square
After the parade of defenders on European Square at 13:00, the action “Don’t fry for independence!” will begin. Everyone is invited to use political slogans and party symbols without restrictions.
The event is organized by “On the Right of Communities” and “European Solidarity”. The program includes a folk meeting and a rock concert with the participation of OT VINTA and KOZAK SYSTEM.
Transport restrictions
In connection with the celebration of Independence Day, several central streets in Kyiv will be blocked. The movement of any type of transport on August 24 is limited to:
- st. Trekhsvyatitelskaya (from Kostelnaya Street to Mikhailovskaya Square);
- Mikhailovskaya Square;
- st. Mikhailovskaya (from Mikhailovsky Lane to Mikhailovskaya Square)
- st. Malaya Zhitomirskaya (from Mikhailovsky Lane to Vladimirsky Proezd)
- st. A. Tarasova;
- st. Sofievskaya (from Mikhailovsky Lane to Vladimirskaya Street);
- st. Vladimirskaya (from Irininskaya street to Bolshaya Zhitomirskaya street);
- Sofia Square;
- Rylsky Lane;
- st. Bolshaya Zhitomirskaya (from Vladimirskaya street to Mikhailovskaya square)
- st. Tithe.
Congratulations from world leaders
The Pope, US President Donald Trump, French leader Emmanuel Macron, and British Queen Elizabeth II congratulated Ukraine on the 29th anniversary of independence.
The leaders of Germany, Switzerland, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Saudi Arabia, Italy, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Egypt, Peru and other countries of the world also congratulated Ukraine.
The current President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko congratulated the Ukrainians on the Independence Day of Ukraine. He also wished success in responsible government activities to Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky.
“Long-standing traditions of friendship and good neighborliness serve as the basis for effective interaction between Belarus and Ukraine in the difficult conditions of the modern world,” Lukashenko added.
Earlier it became known that public transport routes will change on Independence Day 2020 in Kyiv.
Let us remind you that in 2020 Independence Day took place without a parade of military equipment. A “Procession of Dignity” took place on Maidan with the participation of military personnel, successful representatives of various professions, athletes and children.
Also last year, the March of Defenders was organized for the first time, in which about 12 thousand people took part, and another 20 thousand watched the parade of veterans.
