APEC 2012 → Vladivostok Guide → HOLIDAYS AND CELEBRATIONS

January 1 – 10 -- New Year’s Holiday   The year begins with lots of festive revelry on New Year’s Eve and is a time for people to visit friends and family, travel to other Russian cities or abroad, or attend the theater and exhibitions. The majority of offices are closed the first week of January. Christmas, in Julian calendar adopted in the Russian Orthodox Church is celebrated on January 7. That is why the New Year’s holiday precedes Christmas in Russia, unlike many other countries.

February 23 -- Defenders of the Motherland Day (or Men’s Day)  Initially, after the civil war ended in the 1920s, this was the Day of the Red (Soviet) Army. Gradually, the holiday lost its military importance and turned into a holiday celebrating all the men in the country. Today women give presents to their husbands, fathers, male colleagues and male friends, regardless of whether or not they served in the military.      

March 8 -- Women’s Day  On this day men congratulate their wives, women friends and women colleagues. They usually give them flowers or small gifts to show their appreciation and affection.  A man who ignores this holiday is sure to be considered a weird person.    

First week of April  -- Maslennitsa (Shrovetide)  The Holiday of Sun dates back to heathen times. The celebration culminates when a woman of straw personifying evil and harsh winter is burned in the central square of Vladivostok. During Maslennitsa week people like to bake pancakes symbolizing the sun. The pancakes are usually served with honey, sour cream or caviar. One of the attractions of the holiday is a dexterity contest where men try to climb a high pole for the prize placed at the top of it.

May 1 --  Labor Day  On this day red flags are flown everywhere to honor workers. Usually left-wing parties gather at the city square or railway square by Lenin’s Monument to hold meetings calling the attention of the authorities to the labor protection issue.

May 9  -- Victory Day On this day spectacular military parade takes place in Vladivostok and throughout Russia commemorating the anniversary of the victory in World War II (1941-1945). 

June 1 -- International Children’s Day  Various children’s art contests are held throughout Vladivostok including an asphalt drawing festival and children’s painting competition called Pictures of My City.   Of course, people gather on the central square to enjoy the heart-warming and inspiring performances of children’s singing and dancing groups.

June 12  -- Graduation Celebrations at Vladivostok High Schools  Once a year girls put on old-fashioned brown school uniforms with white aprons and wear ribbons in their hair. All graduates celebrate the end of their studies at school but at the same time they feel somewhat sad because they part with their teachers and schoolmates. The celebration culminates when all graduates greet the rising sun on the first morning of their new life. 

June 27 -- Young People’s Day  A rock music festival starts in the afternoon on the central square and lasts until late at night. 

July 2 -- City Day   This celebration starts with a theater group in costume processing along Svetlanskaya Street picturing some of the events in Vladivostok’s history.  A parade with bands and colorful floats follows.  Rap and hip hop groups attract crowds of people to Sportivnaya Gavan.

Last Sunday of July  -- Navy Day  Ships of the Pacific Fleet form an impressive parade in the Amur Bay and marine corps performances highlight the day.    

First week of September -- International film festival Pacific Meridian  This festival is a good occasion for Asian Pacific film producers to show their latest works.

September 1 - 9 -- Sailing Competition in Peter the Great Bay  These sailing races attract huge crowds of people to cheer their favorite yachts.  The sight of so many white sails unfurled in Peter the Great Bay is fascinating and exciting.

Third Saturday of September -- Tiger Day  The tiger is the symbol of Vladivostok. On this day children wearing colorful costumes depicting tigers and other endangered animals form a spectacular procession and perform in the central square. Another purpose of this holiday is to raise community awareness of environmental protection issues.      

Last week of September – VLAD EXPO Fair  This is an excellent opportunity for city and regional enterprises, together with other Russian and foreign companies, to show off their products and services.  

Vladivostok is a busy and dynamic city bustling with activity. One can also find a lot of places to relax after a long, hectic day. Nightclubs and restaurants, casinos and discos stay open throughout the night. Various shows and performances are frequently organized in casinos. Nightclubs offer everything from fun and exciting dancing to boxing and martial arts contests.  Residents and visitors alike can enjoy a pleasant time in modern cinemas, billiard and bowling halls, trade centers and cozy cafes. Vladivostok is an ideal place to try the cuisines of many countries with the seafood being the local specialty.