Defence of the Fatherland Day in 2025

When is Defence of the Fatherland Day?

Defence of the Fatherland day is celebrated on February 23rd. It may also be called 'Defence of the Motherland Day'.

The holiday honours those who are currently serving in the Armed Forces and those who have served in the past.

History of Defence of the Fatherland Day

During the era of the Soviet Union, it was called Red Army Day or the Day of the Soviet Army and Navy.

In 1918, just after the German had invaded and captured Minsk, the Soviets declared a state of emergency and called for a draft in St. Petersburg. As a result, ten thousand people signed up on February 23rd 1918. 

The day was first celebrated in Moscow as "Day of the Birth of the Red Army" in 1922.

It was made an official holiday in 1923 under the name "Day of the Red Army." 

After the Second World War, the name changed again in 1946 to Day of the Soviet Army and Navy.

After the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, the holiday's name was changed several times. In 1995, it became known as the "Day of Victory of the Red Army over the Kaiser troops of Germany (1918) - the Day of the Fatherland Defenders." Since 2006, it has officially been "Defender of the Fatherland Day". 

In Moscow, a wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier near the Kremlin walls is traditionally held on this day.

Celebrations to mark the Defender of Fatherland Day end with firework displays in cities that were at the forefront of major conflicts such as Kerch, Moscow, Murmansk, Novorossiysk, Sevastopol, Smolensk, St. Petersburg, Tula, and Volgograd, as well as in the cities where the headquarters of the military are situated.

Navy Day

Though this day dropped its naval name, the sea-borne forces of Russia are not forgotten. "Day of the Russian Navy" is a national holiday in the Russian Federation. Celebrated annually, on the last Sunday of July., the day honours the members of units of the Russian Navy. 

Men's Day

In recent years the holiday has become a "Men's Day" holiday, similar to Women's Day which is a public holiday in Russia on March 8th.

Russia has not traditionally celebrated a Fathers' Day, so this day is an opportunity for families to recognise the contribution of fathers and men to Russia life.

Along similar lines to International Women’s Day on March 8th, it has become a custom in Russia to give small presents on February 23rd - to all men. The tradition is widespread in families, at schools and factories and, particularly, in offices. The usual gifts are pens, mugs, socks, shower gel, notepads, calendars, and shaving cream.