Russians are marking the main national holiday on Sunday: Russia Day. It’s the oldest in the country’s most recent history and is reminiscent of events that marked the birth of new Russian statehood.
On June 12, 1991 the first Congress of People’s Deputies of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic adopted a Declaration on the state sovereignty of Russia, which at that time was still part of the former USSR. There’s another reason to commemorate this date: the first presidential elections were held in Russia on June 12, 1991.
The holiday instituted in 1992 became a national day in 1994. It was called Independence Day at that time. It was renamed into Russia’s Day in 2002. Although Russia’s Day is officially devoted to the Declaration of Sovereignty, it’s linked directly to the establishment of the office of presidency in Russia that marks the 20th anniversary this year.
By tradition, the Russian president will present state awards and give a reception in the Kremlin on Sunday. Russian pop stars and rock groups will give a gala concert on Red Square in the evening of June 12. The show’s organizes expect that up to 30,000 people will gather at the square for the concert. At least ten of them will young people. The show will end with colourful fireworks.
Today the Presidential Envoy to the North Caucasus Federal District, Alexander Khloponin, congratulated all Caucasians on the Russia's Day saying that the region has rich history and traditions due to its ethnic diversity.
Festivities will be held nationwide.
