1st January – New Year’s Day

Don’t count on much happening in the first two weeks of January; typically, the first working day of the year isn’t until around 9th or 10th January since Russian Orthodox Christmas is celebrated on 6th-7th January. In fact, some Russians make take even take an additional week or two off, due to the exorbitant cost of flights around New Year’s.

23rd February – Defender of the Fatherland Day

Formerly knowns as Soviet Army Day, it is now commonly referred to as ‘Men’s Day’. Women prepare food and drinks for the men in their lives (both in the office, and at home) in anticipation of 8th March – see below.

8th March – International Women’s Day

For Russia’s females, this is one of biggest and most important days of the year. Expect office parties, flowers, champagne and gifts galore. If you can, try to be in Russia for this one (in the working place it will probably be celebrated the day before) but do come bearing gifts, ideally from your home country if possible. Oh, and watch the price of flowers shoot up in the days preceding 8th March!

It’s worth mentioning that St Valentine’s Day isn’t particularly widely celebrated in Russia. However, local ladies who have lived abroad will be aware of this tradition and certainly won’t mind additional flowers & gifts, but please don’t for a moment think that any efforts on 14th February will excuse you on 8th March – trust me, they won’t!

1st May – Labour Day

Don’t expect much, if any business to take place during the first two weeks of May as many Russians use this period as an opportunity to take an extended holiday.

9th May – Victory Day

Commemorating the end of the Second World War. Expect to witness massive street parades involving WW2 memorabilia in the form of tanks trundling down the main streets of Moscow and noisy aircraft flying overhead.

It’s worth remembering that the Soviet Union lost a reported 27 million people between 1941 – 1945 so you can understand why this one is still such a big deal.

12th June – Russia Day

Until recently it was known as Independence Day, but as nobody could quite figure out exactly from whom, it was renamed – and it remains a day off.

4th November – Unity Day

Previously October Revolution Day was celebrated on 7th November but now some obscure victory over the Poles in the 17th Century is celebrated instead.  

🧠 On these days: most offices, banks, and migration centers are closed.
Trains, airports, and supermarkets usually stay open — but expect crowds.

🎉 What You Might See

● Fireworks on New Year’s Eve and Victory Day

● Parades and concerts in city centers

● Flags, ribbons, and flowers everywhere

● Long weekends: Russians often travel, stay home, or visit family

● Gifts: men get razors or socks on Feb 23, women get flowers on Mar 8 💐

🔔 What It Means for You

● Your work schedule may change — check with your foreman

● Public transport may run less frequently

● Migration services and clinics will be closed

● Avoid visiting government offices or trying to submit documents during these days

● It's a great time to relax, walk around, or observe how Russians celebrate

💡 Always ask your coordinator if you’re not sure how a holiday affects your job.

📌 As you begin your journey, remember:

This is a country of both challenge and opportunity.

And you’re now part of its big story — as a professional, a guest, and a new member of a team.