Russia Day, celebrated annually on June 12, commemorates the adoption of the Declaration of State Sovereignty of Russia in 1990, marking a pivotal moment in the country’s history. This declaration laid the foundation for constitutional reform and the establishment of Russia as a democratic state.

The holiday, officially established in 2002, is marked by various festivities and traditions. These include the presentation of state awards for achievements in fields such as literature, science, technology, and art, a tradition that began in 1995. Ceremonial fireworks displays were added in 2001, followed by mass public events in 2003, which now take place across the country.

The adoption of the Declaration of State Sovereignty on June 12, 1990, by the people’s deputies of the RSFSR, was a near-unanimous decision. The declaration affirmed the supremacy of the Constitution and laws and the indivisibility of the state’s territory. Boris Yeltsin, then Chairman of the Supreme Soviet of the RSFSR, signed the declaration and a year later, on the same day, won Russia’s first presidential elections.

Initially known as the “Day of the Adoption of the Declaration on State Sovereignty of Russia,” the holiday was renamed Russia Day in 2002. Over time, new traditions have emerged. Patrioticaly minded couples choose June 12 as their wedding date.

Symbols of Russia Day include the national flag, displayed prominently on buildings and carried by citizens, and the national anthem, played in public spaces and broadcast on television and radio.

In 2025, Russia Day falls on a Thursday, resulting in a four-day weekend from June 12 to 15, due to a day off being moved from March 8.