Russian Public Holidays

Russians love to celebrate, and Russia's public holidays should not be treated lightly.

For the most important holidays — New Year's, Christmas, and the May holidays — many shops close down completely and city streets become strangely quiet. All government offices are closed on public holidays, and most overseas embassies are too.

Sometimes it can be a little complicated figuring out which days the country shuts down.

If the holiday falls on a Monday or a Friday, then everything is simple — it's a day off. If it falls on a weekend, then the Friday or Monday will also be a day off.

If it falls on a Tuesday or a Thursday then the weekend will be shifted a day in the right direction and the Saturday or Sunday becomes a working day, with the three days off being Sunday-Monday-Tuesday or Thursday-Friday-Saturday.

If the holiday falls on a Wednesday then there is no long weekend.

Russian Public holidays include:

• 1st and 2nd January - New Year's Holiday
• 7th January - Russian Orthodox Christmas
• 23rd February - Army Day
• 8th March - Women's Day
• 1st and 2nd May - Labour Day
• 9th May - Victory Day (VE Day)
• 12th June - Declaration of Sovereignty Day (founding of Russian Federation)
• 7th November - Reconciliation Day
• 12th December - Constitution Day.

Please note that most, if not all official offices, including the consulates in the UK will be closed on these days - and often, there is a "go slow" just before and just after.