Every culture has its own traditions and customs. Having annual holidays of public and religious significance is a part of these traditions. Russian people love pompously celebrating holidays, especially those, which are considered to be days off. It’s a great opportunity to relax from work and to have fun in many ways. The first public holiday worth mentioning is New Year, of course. People in every corner of the country have almost two-week holiday on this occasion. Children also don’t attend school during these weeks. This is the time when all families, relatives and friends get together and wish a happy and prosperous coming year. Many preparations are made before the holiday. For example, people nicely decorate their houses, set up Christmas trees, buy presents for their loved ones. Traditional meal includes various salads, sandwiches, preservings, cookies, tangerines. At midnight people drink champagne and listen to the Kremlin chimes on radio or TV. Next morning all children hope to find presents from Father Frost under their beds.

Orthodox Christmas comes a week later and falls on January 7. People arrange different festivals on this day. Many of them visit their relatives and treat them with sweet rice. Young girls want to know their fortune at night before Christmas. At the end of February people see off winter and prepare to welcome spring. Traditional celebrations on this occasion are known as Maslenitsa. This is also the last week before the Great Lent. Maslenitsa week is celebrated with plenty of pancakes and spectacular festivals. One of the most popular spring holidays in Russia is the 8th of March – all Women’s day. On this day mothers, grandmothers, daughters and sisters are treated in a special ways. Apart from getting presents, women get plenty of attention and help from men. They are freed from all household chores on this day.

Spring also brings another religious holiday – Easter. The date varies from year to year, but usually falls on April. It’s an important Orthodox holiday that marks the Christ’s Resurrection. On this day Russian people cook tasty Easter cakes, called Paskhas, and brightly paint eggs. Many people carry this food to church for consecration. Children especially love Easter, as they get to eat lots of sweets and exchange colored eggs with their friends. Victory Day, which is celebrated on May 9 each year, is also an important holiday for Russians. People throughout the country commemorate millions of victims of World War II. They participate in remembrance ceremonies and military parades. Independence Day in Russia is celebrated on June 12. On this day every city demonstrates local concerts and fireworks.