Russia is entering a period of the four day holiday as 23rd of February, The Defender of the Fatherland Day, falls on Thursday and the Friday, February 24, is also a day off as January 1 fell on Sunday.
The Defender’s day, aka The Day of Army and Navy, is referred to as the Men’s Day in Russia, though officially it applies to those who serves or served in the army or navy, including women.
Strictly speaking, the men who didn’t serve are not eligible to congratulations and so on, but this formality is usually being not obeyed.
This is the day for authorities to perform some rituals to honor the soldiers, seamen and officers who fought in different wars or military conflicts.
During the holiday, public establishments are closed except emergency units; entertainments and private shops and structures work in full swing. This year, the holiday happily coincides with Maslenitsa, Russian version of mardi gras, so there will be a lot of fun out there.
Read also our post about other Russian holidays and days off in 2017.
On February 23 two major sport events will take place:
Ice-hockey club SKA play its second match against Vitayz in a playoff series. The first match is on February 21;
FC Zenit St. Petersburg play it second match against Belgium’s Anderlecht in a playoff series in the European League after losing 0-2 in Brussels.
Photo: http://kremlin.ru
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