May holidays in Russia in 2018 when do they start? In accordance with the Labor Code of the Russian Federation, Russians celebrate two holidays in May. May Day, or the holiday of spring and labor - May 1, the second solemn day, which is included in the calendar of May holidays, is celebrated on May 9 - this is Victory Day.
A bit of history
What you need to know about the May Day holidays?
- May Day is celebrated by all working people. It is more correct to say that it was so from the very beginning. If you look into the history, it becomes clear that the roots of this May holiday originate in Australia. The middle of the 19th century, 1856, the workers protested and demanded that the conditions be met so that their working day became eight-hour.
- Workers in Canada and the United States supported the Australians and also began to demand an eight-hour work day.
- In Chicago, there was a clash between local police and workers, it was May 1. This conflict ended in bloodshed. Subsequently, in Paris at the Congress it was established: every year on May 1 in memory of the dead people to carry out demonstrations.
- In Russia, the first such processions took place in St. Petersburg. This happened in 1891. But at first it had a completely different name than now, and was called International Day.
- In 1972, it changed its name again and became known to all as the Day of International Workers' Solidarity - May 1. At first, two days were allotted for the celebration of this solemn event: the first and second of May.
- 1992: the name was changed at the holiday, it became known in Russia as the Festival of Spring and Labor. The days off were the first and second of May.
- In 2005, it was decided to leave only one day off, dedicated to the celebration of the May holiday - May 1.
Traditions of May Day
Previously, on May 1, which is included in the calendar of May holidays, it was customary to hold demonstrations, various processions, parades, and concerts. At concerts and parades, slogans were heard regarding the rights of workers. On this holiday, included in the calendar, it was decided to award diplomas to distinguished employees.
Also on this day, everyone celebrates the onset of the final spring month of May. Buds bloom on the trees, everything blooms around and everyone wants spring, real and warm after a long winter.
How to relax on the may holidays
Most often, on May 1, people go out into the countryside with companies, have a picnic, gather with friends and relax, cook barbecue, arrange a feast, play outdoor games.
You can also celebrate this day at concerts that are held in each city, attend cultural events. You can go to the cinema or museum. Each city has a range of recreational activities, and it's easy to choose what you like. You can also organize a weekend trip and go on a day trip with family or friends.
Victory Day
The second day off in the calendar of May holidays, minor and joyful at the same time, is Victory Day, the date of celebration is May 9th. This year this bright holiday falls on Wednesday. The Soviet army won the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945. This year marks the 73rd anniversary of this historic event. Celebrate the triumph in Russia is always on a grand scale. Of course, the most beautiful parade, no doubt, is held on Red Square in the Russian capital.
This is an unforgettable holiday. On May 9, the main historical and victorious act was adopted. Germany capitulated. And on the Red Square of Moscow from a thousand guns fired fireworks, complemented this spectacle with multi-colored rockets and illuminated spotlights, the crowd in the square rejoiced.
May 9th tradition
On this day, according to tradition, they hold a festive parade using military equipment, a festive procession, laying flowers at monuments and memorials in each city, awarding and honoring veterans; concert dedicated to Victory Day. And at the end of the holiday, a salute is held.
Pass on that day in the Immortal Regiment column has already become a custom. The participants in this movement are taking photos of relatives and friends of the past war. The beginning of the movement, as it is now known, came in 2011. Everyone can fill in the annals on the official website of the regiment about their relatives. Now in the annals of 405993 names.
Holiday symbols
What do they relate to?
- George Ribbon. The black and orange ribbon in the war years was a mark of distinction. It was an indicator of special military prowess. Since 2005, as a sign of respect and gratitude to those who died and at the cost of their lives fought for a peaceful sky above their heads. Such a ribbon is tied to clothes.
- Victory Banner. This is a special state symbol of the Russian Federation. He was hoisted on May 1, 1945 by Russian soldiers over the Berlin Reichstag building. Thanks to historical data, it is known that the Victory Banner installed above the Reichstag was made in the field and was an improvisation of the flag of the USSR. It was a canvas of brown color, it was attached to the pole and had a drawing on it. A five-pointed asterisk is located in the upper lobe of the flag; a hammer and sickle are also applied. And on the same side the text was written, which read: " 150 pages of the Order of Kutuzov, II art. Idritsk. Div. 79 C.K. 3 UA. 1 B.F."
The original Victory Banner is kept in the museum. In parades, copies of the Victory Banner are most often used . Hero cities and cities of military glory are another symbol of the holiday . Hero cities in Russia - 7, and the second - 45. There are obelisks and stelae. On May 9th it was customary to lay flowers in memory of the events of World War II. From the calendar of May holidays it becomes clear that in Russia in 2018 they rest for five days in May, taking into account April 29 and 30.
To summarize
In 2018 in May there will be several days when you can have a good rest and relax.
The solemn date of May 1 gives the residents of Russia four days of rest:
- April 29 - rest day, Sunday;
- April 30 - rest day, which passed from Saturday April 28;
- May 1 - Holiday of Spring and Labor, official day off;
- May 2 - postponed the second day off from January 2018.
Memorable celebration - May 9 will bring one day of rest. This is a public holiday. 8th - pre-holiday date. The working day will be reduced by one hour in honor of the celebration of the Great Victory Day.
Weekends for the May holidays will be such that, summing up, you can count, there will be 20 working days in May, and the rest 11 days the Russians have a rest (taking into account the usual days off).