Defender of the Fatherland Day

February 23rd is one of my favourite holidays here called Defender of the Fatherland Day (День защитника Отечества). The date itself is of no historic significance, but the holiday is very popular in Russia. It is celebrated in many CIS countries as well.

The holiday dates back to 1918, when during the Russian Civil War the first mass draft into the Red Army occured in Petrograd (now Saint-Petersburg) and Moscow. So its original name was Red Army Day (День Красной Армии) which was later changed to Soviet Army and Navy Day (День Советской Армии и Военно-Морского флота). After 1991, the holiday got its current name. On this holiday we generally congratulate all men including those who never served in the army, even young boys. We sometimes call it the Men's Day =) And that's why I love this day - it gives me another chance to do something nice for my husband who is the best man for me in the whole world. I also remember my father on this day. He was a real Man, and he is greatly missed by his family now.

For us the celebration started yesterday morning with a sports holiday in the kindergarten where our daughter goes. There were funny competitions for dads and children, poems and songs. We had a great time. And tonight a family party with a cake and something yummy for dinner will follow =)

Dear men, have a wonderful day!

The blog post was made with the help of Wikipedia and timeanddate.com

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