Russians celebrate Russia Day

Russians are celebrating Russia Day, the most important state holiday in Russia, remaining at the root of the modern, new Russia.

On June 12th 1990 the first Congress of Soviets of the Russian SFSR passed a declaration on the state sovereignty of Russia, which had been a part of the Soviet Union at the time. A year later the first president of Russia was elected.

The holiday itself was established in 1992. It achieved its "state" position in 1994 and became an official holiday. Its present title - "Russia Day" - was given to the holiday in 2002.

Official ceremonies took place on Red Square, ITAR TASS reports, and state awards were presented by Dmitri Medvedev in the Kremlin at 12:00.