Vladimir Events

Russia Day is the national holiday of the Russian Federation, which has been celebrated every year on June 12 since 1992. On this day, in 1990, Russian parliament declared Russian sovereignty from the USSR. The main venue of celebrations is Cathedral Square. Traditionally, festivities and concerts starts at 11am and last until 8pm. Remember, that June 12 is an official day-off. On this day most of public offices are closed and some public transport routes may be changed due to street events. Venue: Different locations around Vladimir Event cost: Free

Tourists will be able to participate in the ritual celebration of “Savior of the Cherry Feast Day”. The festival is held at the beautiful site of the Saviour hill near the Patriarch’s gardens. Feast of Pomona is an ancient festival of cherry picking. Culinary masters will cook various cherry treats: fresh pastries, cakes, cherry candies, soft drinks, ice cream, etc. Venue: Patriarch’s gardens Address: 5, Kozlov Val str. (Rus: ул. Козлов вал, д. 5) The park located in a 10 min walk from the Golden Gate. GPS coordinates: Latitude: 40°23′58.369″ (40.399547) Longitude: 56°7′30.029″ (56.125008) Event cost: Free

Clubs of historical reconstruction from different Russian cities will take part in the festival. Within 3 days, visitors will see the equestrian and archery tournaments, buhurts (mass battles), performances by music groups, costume contest, fire show, etc. Venue: Park “Zagorodniy” Address: 4, Sudogorskoye highway (Rus: ул.Судогодское шоссе , 4). To get to the park take a bus #7C GPS coordinates: Latitude: 40°26′18.376″ (40.438438) Longitude: 56°6′10.278″ (56.102855) Event cost: 250-450 rub

“New year” is a public holiday and the most celebrated day in Russia. It is the most popular holiday in Russia. For the Russians, the New Year is a family holiday; people prefer to spend it with their friends and relatives. Russian Holiday tradition includes a decorated New Year’s fir-tree. Children wait for Ded Moroz (Russian Santa Claus), to come and bring them presents. Plenty of events are usually being held during the extended holiday period: concerts, contests, troika rides, snowball fights, sleigh rides and other traditional Russian folk customs. Remember, that January 1-10 are official days-off. On these days most of public offices are closed and some public transport routes may be changed due to street events. Venue: Cathedral Square

Christmas is a national holiday, however many Russians continue to focus on the New Year’s celebration. Events begin on the eve of the holiday. People attend Christmas religious services which are held in churches during Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Remember, that January 7 is an official day-off. On this day most of public offices are closed and some public transport routes may be changed due to street events. Venue: Different locations around Vladimir Event cost: Free

It is a public Russian holiday and day off which is celebrated on February 23 every year. The day focuses on the achievements of military forces and veterans. Most Russians observe this holiday as a day of Russian men including those who never served in the military. Authorities may organize local parades to honor the military and veterans on this day. Remember, that February 23 is an official day-off. On this day most of public offices are closed and some public transport routes may be changed due to street events. Venue: Different locations around Vladimir Event cost: Free

International Women’s Day is an internationally recognized celebration of women and their social and political achievements. The Women’s day is an official public holiday which is celebrated on March 8 every year. Started as a Socialist political event the day eventually lost its political flavor, and became simply an occasion for men to express their love for women. There is a tradition among Russian men to undertake all household duties on this day so that women can enjoy a full day of rest. Remember, that March 8 is an official day-off. On this day most of public offices are closed and some public transport routes may be changed due to street events. Venue: Different locations around Vladimir Event cost: Free

Maslenitsa is a traditional Russian festival, a mix of pagan beliefs and Christian traditions, which marks the end of winter. It is also known as Pancake Week. Pancakes (rus: Блины [Blini]) are usually baked in large quantities and shared among friends and family to symbolize the sun and warmth. Maslenitsa lasts for up to one week. The burning of the effigy is the traditional culmination of the festival. Tourists have a chance to take part in traditional Russian games. Maslenitsa festival is a great reason to visit the cities of the Golden Ring. Venue: Different locations around Vladimir Event cost: Free

The Orthodox festival and holiday celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Paskha is how Russians call Easter, the main holiday of the Russian Orthodox Church. Believers end 40 days of fasting with midnight church services. During Paskha is customary to eat “Kulich” and “Paskha”, special yeast fruit cakes. Visitors can try traditional Russian Easter dishes and learn what customary Easter gifts for friends and relatives are. Venue: Different locations around Vladimir Event cost: Free

In the former Soviet Union, 1 May was International Workers’ Day and was celebrated with huge parades in Russian cities. But after the collapse of communism the annual parade gave way to less political festivities. Traditionally, festive rallies are held on this day. Remember, that May 1 is official day-off. On this day most of public offices are closed and some public transport routes may be changed due to street events. Venue: Different locations around Vladimir Event cost: Free

Victory day or 9 May marks the day when the German military surrendered to the USSR in Berlin in 1945. This day became the end of the Second World War (also known as the Great Patriotic War) for the USSR. Military parades are held annually throughout the country to celebrate this day. The biggest parade is in Moscow’s Red Square. Special parties, performances and concerts are organized for veterans as well. As a sign of respect and remembrance people give red carnations to veterans in the street and wear black-and-yellow St. George ribbon on their clothes. Traditional march “Immortal Regiment” takes place on May 9 as an act of admiration and remembrance of all those who showed bravery during WW2.

Most cultural institutions will be accessible free of charge all day long on May 20 till late at night. Museums at Night is an annual festival designed to encourage people into museums, galleries and heritage sites by showing off the best they have to offer. Venue: Different museums of Vladimir Event cost: Free