Russia's Unity Day

What Is Russia's Unity Day?

November 4th is celebrated in Russia as "National Unity Day." It commemorates the liberation of Moscow from Polish forces in the autumn of 1612 by a volunteer army led by Kuzma Minin and Dmitry Pozharsky. The law creating the holiday passed in 2004, and it has been observed since 2005.

Ending the "Time of Troubles"

From the late 16th into the early 17th century, Russia endured what is known as the "Time of Troubles" (Smuta) — a period marked by a broken royal line, famine, and foreign intervention.

• The background of chaos: after the Rurik dynasty's line ended, Poland intervened amid the succession crisis and occupied Moscow
• Forming a volunteer army: merchant Kuzma Minin and Prince Dmitry Pozharsky rallied volunteer soldiers from across the country
• Liberation achieved: in the autumn of 1612 (late October in the old Russian calendar), the volunteer army finally liberated Moscow, paving the way for the later founding of the Romanov dynasty

Why Was This Date Chosen?

The date comes from the feast of the "Kazan Icon of the Mother of God" (October 22 in the Julian calendar used by the Russian Orthodox Church, which corresponds to November 4 today). Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich of the Romanov dynasty is said to have made this feast a holiday in 1649. Since 2005, November 4th has been National Unity Day, replacing the November 7th October Revolution holiday that continued from the Soviet era (called the Day of Accord and Reconciliation in the 1990s).

Tips for Marking This Day

• Learn more about Russia's "Time of Troubles"
• Read about the statue of Minin and Pozharsky standing in Moscow's Red Square
• Explore Russian history and culture through books or films
• Compare this holiday with other countries' anniversaries of founding or unification

A Story of a People United Beyond Their Differences

People of vastly different backgrounds and stations came together to save a nation on the brink of collapse — an event still remembered today as a symbol of national unity. November 4th is a day to reflect on the power of that kind of solidarity.