June 12: When Russia Celebrates Its Day

Thousands of people wave Russian national flags as they gather on Red Square to watch a concert dedicated to the Russia Day in Moscow.

On June 12, 1990, Russia adopted a declaration on its national sovereignty.

Above: Kuban Cossack Host honor guard seen during the Russia Day celebration at the Main City Square of Krasnodar.

Crimean Bridge in Moscow decorated for Russia Day celebrations.

Two years later, the day the declaration was adopted was made a holiday in Russia, to be declared a state holiday two more years later in 1994.

Above: People celebrate the Day of Russia in Mariupol.

Dancers perform at a Russia Day concert in Vladivostok.

A man waves a Russian flag next to a couple in wedding attire after the patriotic concert at Red Square in downtown Moscow ahead of Russia Day on June 11, 2023.

Despite being a national holiday in Russia, some Russia Day celebrations also take place beyond the country's borders.

Above: Spectators at a Russia Day concert in Minsk, the capital of Belarus.

Russia Day celebrations typically involve various festive events, such as concerts, held in population centers all over the country.

Above: Participants of the Russia Day celebrations in Vladivostok.

Members of Russian patriotic youth organizations attend the Russia Day celebrations at Krasnodar's Main City Square.

While Russia Day is celebrated since the 1990s, the first Russia Day event at the Red Square in Moscow was held only in 2003.

Above: A man carries a Russian national flag as he leaves the patriotic concert at the Red Square, near the Kremlin, in downtown Moscow ahead the Russia Day on June 11, 2023.

Russian national flag on display at a residential building in Tiraspol during Russia Day.

The holiday's official name, "Russia Day," was formally adopted in 2002.

Above: Girl participates in the Russia Day celebrations in Vladivostok.

Boats participating in the "Sails of Russia" regatta, held to celebrate Russia Day, in Vladivostok.

At least 3.5 million people participated in about 4.3 thousand Russia Day events held in 2022.

Above: Russian passports to be distributed in Donetsk during the Russia Day Celebrations.

People stroll across Manezhnaya Square in Moscow on June 9, which had already been decorated for the Russia Day celebrations.

A woman wears Russian national flags as she arrives at the patriotic concert at the Red Square in downtown Moscow ahead the Russia Day on June 11, 2023.