When is Defender of the Fatherland Day 2026
Defender of the Fatherland Day 2026
Monday, February 23, 2026
When is Defender of the Fatherland Day 2027
Defender of the Fatherland Day 2027
Tuesday, February 23, 2027
Why we celebrate Defender of the Fatherland Day?
Every year on February 23, a number of former Soviet countries celebrate the Defender of the Fatherland Day. This is a holiday to honour those citizens who protect the country’s integrity and flourishing.
The holiday was established by Federal Law No. 32-FZ “On the Military Honour Days (Victory Days) in Russia” adopted by the State Duma and signed by the President of the Russian Federation Boris Yeltsin on March 13, 1995. The date wasn’t chosen by chance. It is believed that it was on February 23, 1918, that the Red Army achieved the first victories in the battles of Narva and Pskov against German troops after the armistice between the countries had ended. This is what was stated in the Federal Law “On the Military Honour Days (Victory Days) in Russia” dated February 10, 1995. Initially, the holiday was called like this: The Day of the Red Army’s Victory over the German Kaiser’s troops (1918) – the Defender of the Fatherland Day.
The name of the event has been changed numerous times. In 1922, the Presidium of the All-Russian Central Executive Committee of the RSFSR established the holiday to honour the fourth anniversary of the Red Army and called it the Red Army Day. In 1946, the holiday’s name was changed to the Soviet Army Day. And to the Soviet Army and Navy Day in 1949. It was in the 21st century that the holiday got its official status and modern name. They were established by Federal Law No. 48-FZ “On Amendments to Article 1 of the Federal Law “On the Military Honour Days and Memorable Dates of Russia”” adopted on April 15, 2006.
What Do People Do?
On the Defender of the Fatherland Day, people congratulate military and law enforcement agencies personnel, as well as all men, young men, and boys. The stronger sex are today’s and future defenders not only of the country, but of their families as well. On this day, many countries that celebrate the holiday organize festive concerts, singers perform patriotic songs, and people watch movies about military and civil exploits. Children prepare hand-made gifts and participate in creative activities.
Russia holds an annual solemn ceremony at the Kremlin walls and wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. In addition to festive concerts and fireworks, every city organizes meetings with veterans.
The government of the Republic of Belarus and Kyrgyzstan also organize festive events, including parades that involve aircraft and orchestras. Quite often, the Russian military also participates in these festive programs.
In Tajikistan, the Defender of the Fatherland Day is celebrated on the same day as another equally important national holiday – the Founding Day of the National Armed Forces. The country became independent in 1993. The first military parade of the armed forces of Tajikistan took place in Dushanbe on February 23, the same year. The important event was held in the midst of the civil war.
Armenia, Latvia, and Estonia don’t forget to celebrate the Defender of the Fatherland Day either. The holiday is not official in these countries, but this doesn’t prevent the Russian-speaking population from organizing the wreath-laying ceremonies at the monuments of liberators and war heroes.
How to Celebrate Defender of the Fatherland Day?
In countries where the Defender of the Fatherland Day is officially approved, the holiday is a red-letter date. Spend it with your beloved men – relatives and close friends. Set the table, prepare gifts and pleasant wishes for the defenders. Be sure to give a call or send a congratulating message to those whom you can’t meet in person on this holiday.
Men may spend an evening in a sauna or play paintball with friends and colleagues. On this holiday, the elders can engage in outdoor activities with the younger ones: go sledding, enjoy strategic or sports games together with brothers and sons.
The Defender of the Fatherland Day is a great opportunity to introduce children to such concepts as “heroism”, “honour”, and “patriotism”. Tell the young generation about important historical events in the country, about military exploits. You can read war stories together, watch movies or cartoons about kindness, self-sacrifice, and moral courage.
Interesting facts about the Defender of the Fatherland Day
1. In the USSR, the holiday was officially recognized, but only military personnel had a day-off.
2. The Defender of the Fatherland Day is not only a men’s holiday. It is celebrated by all reservist and veteran women.
3. In Russia, the Defender of the Fatherland Day became a day-off only in 2002.
4. In Belarus, the holiday is called the Defender of the Fatherland and the Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus Day.
5. In Kazakhstan, the Defender of the Fatherland Day is celebrated on May 7.
Defender of the Fatherland Day Observances
List of dates for other years
| Weekday | Date | Year | Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thursday | 23 February | 2023 | Defender of the Fatherland Day |
| Friday | 23 February | 2024 | Defender of the Fatherland Day |
| Sunday | 23 February | 2025 | Defender of the Fatherland Day |
| Monday | 23 February | 2026 | Defender of the Fatherland Day |
| Tuesday | 23 February | 2027 | Defender of the Fatherland Day |
| Wednesday | 23 February | 2028 | Defender of the Fatherland Day |
| Friday | 23 February | 2029 | Defender of the Fatherland Day |
| Saturday | 23 February | 2030 | Defender of the Fatherland Day |
| Sunday | 23 February | 2031 | Defender of the Fatherland Day |
| Monday | 23 February | 2032 | Defender of the Fatherland Day |
| Wednesday | 23 February | 2033 | Defender of the Fatherland Day |
| Thursday | 23 February | 2034 | Defender of the Fatherland Day |
| Friday | 23 February | 2035 | Defender of the Fatherland Day |
| Saturday | 23 February | 2036 | Defender of the Fatherland Day |
Defender of the Fatherland Day Video
Defender of the Fatherland Day Cards
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