Back to country calendar
Public Holiday
Nationwide
Defender of the Fatherland Day
Tuesday, February 23, 2027
31123456
78910111213
14151617181920
21222324252627
28123456
Holiday selected
🏪 What's open
- Banks Mostly closed
- Government offices Closed
- Schools Closed
- Shops Varies
- Restaurants Reduced
- Public transit Reduced
- Stock market Closed
- Post office Closed
🛋️ Long weekend potential
4-Day Block
SAT
20
Weekend
SUN
21
Weekend
MON
22
Bridge Day
TUE
23
Holiday
4-day weekend with a bridge day on February 22
📣 Traveler notes
Russia is a large country with rich history, culture, and diverse natural attractions. While Moscow and Saint Petersburg are the main attractions, fascinating sites can be found in remote regions.
- Russian holidays are categorized as federal or regional, and can be ethnic, historical, professional, or religious. Federal holidays are country-wide days off.
- Major official holidays include the New Year period (January 1–5) and Orthodox Christmas (January 7).
- Russian dining manners follow traditional European norms. Travelers should seek permission from hosts before leaving a table, and accepting second servings is often seen as respectful. Avoid resting elbows on the table or sitting at the corner. When paying the bill in a group, follow the lead of other diners.
About this holiday
Defender of the Fatherland Day is a holiday celebrated in Russia, Turkmenistan, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Tajikistan. It honors the country's armed forces and marks the founding of the Red Army. It is observed on February 23rd, with an exception in Kazakhstan (May 7th).