The future of every country depends on the young generation. Happy youth will be the key to the progress and success of the development of our state. Do you know which age group can call themselves “youth”? According to Russian regulatory documents, these are persons from 14 to 30 years old. But even 35 and 40 year old men and women can consider themselves young people, because this is determined by certain legal acts. So, not only teenagers, but also their fathers and mothers have the right to celebrate Youth Day in Russia every year. Grandfathers and grandmothers, who remain young at heart, also take part in holiday festivities, sometimes even more actively than their grandchildren.
What date is Youth Day celebrated in Russia?
Youth Day is celebrated in 2021 on
June 27, 2021
After the formation of the Russian Federation, the holiday began to be celebrated on a strictly defined date, which remains unchanged from year to year. This is June 27, the date was not chosen by chance, since at this moment all exams in schools and higher educational institutions have usually already been passed, the entrance campaign has not yet started, so young people can enjoy the celebration to the fullest.
We figured out what date Youth Day 2021 is in Russia and, since this year it falls on Sunday, everything that is planned will be held on the 27th. But most often, Russian Youth Day falls on weekdays, so the celebration is shifted to the weekend following it. This is a common practice that has been used for many years.
history of the holiday
The Day of Soviet Youth in the USSR began to be celebrated in 1958. It was then, or rather on February 7, that the Supreme Presidium issued a decree called “On the establishment of the Day of Soviet Youth.” According to this document, it was decided to celebrate the holiday on the last Sunday of the first summer month, when young people take a break from studying and exams.
At the same time, the main goal of the new holiday was the patriotic education of the younger generation. It was more ideologically oriented, since congresses and meetings of various organizations and communities were traditionally held on this day. Youth brigades held competitions, talent competitions, and organized various kinds of festivals to give the celebration a deeper meaning and show the importance of the younger generation for the state.
Regardless of the type of event and the contingent participating in it, it became a generally accepted tradition after the end of the official part to go to parks or cultural centers for dances, which were necessarily held on that day.
And the first holiday, which is considered the progenitor of the date in question, is International Youth Day or, as it was commonly called at that time, IUD. It was celebrated in late August or early September between 1917 and 1945. It was this holiday that A. Stakhanov dedicated his famous record, which was stopped in 1935. And Mayakovsky dedicated several of his works to the Ministry of Justice. Some cities still have street names with this abbreviation.
Of course, there are also international holidays dedicated to youth, the timing of which does not coincide with Russian ones. There are 3 main dates that are generally accepted and have a rich history, so they are worth taking into account:
International Youth Day
It is celebrated on August 12 under the auspices of the UN and is considered the main holiday on the planet. Moreover, the event always has a thematic character. Every year, the UN selects the most pressing topic on the youth agenda, to which all organized events are dedicated. This way, celebration is combined with useful actions and allows you to focus attention on the difficulties that need to be overcome.
World Youth Day
It is celebrated on November 10th. The date was chosen after the founding of the World Organization of Democratic Youth, whose headquarters are located in London. Its main difference is that a large festival is organized annually, held in different cities of the world (in 2017, the event took place in Sochi and brought together over 25 thousand participants from more than 60 countries from around the globe). During the celebration, different regions are given a separate date, and the last day is usually dedicated to the host country in order to better acquaint participants with its culture and traditions.
International Youth Solidarity Day
International Youth Solidarity Day is celebrated annually on April 24th. Its founder is the same youth organization as in the paragraph above; the holiday appeared in the middle of the last century and was widely celebrated throughout the Soviet Union, as it was supported by the official government at that time. But, after the collapse of the USSR, the celebration was practically stopped. In recent years, the date has begun to be revived, although it is safe to say that the holiday is unlikely to reach its former proportions.
According to the United Nations classification, youth is considered to be the entire population under the age of 24 years. As for Russia, this category includes the range from 14 to 35 years.
Interesting Facts
- There are similar holidays around the world. According to the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs (Rosmolodezh), the number of young people aged 14-30 in Russia in 2021 amounted to 31.4 million people – 21.5% of the country’s total population. Persons aged 14-17 years old accounted for 17.1%, 18-22 years old – 23.2%, 23-27 years old – 35.1%, 28-30 years old – 24.6%. The number of men aged 14-30 years was 16 million people (50.8%), and women – 15.4 million people (49.2%).
- According to research, a healthy lifestyle is gaining popularity among young people. The current generation of young people smokes and drinks less than previous generations.
- In 2015, Microsoft researchers found that young people lose their ability to concentrate after just 8 seconds. Most of them have clip thinking - young people perceive information better through bright short images.
- According to WHO, depression is one of the leading diseases among young people.
- According to social research, modern Russian youth begin an independent life later. Boys and girls leave their parents' home at the age of 23-25. For previous generations, this figure was 18-20 years.
- Among modern youth, classical literature has lost its popularity. They prefer fiction.
Modern holiday traditions
The date of the event was set by law in 1993, but it is worth noting that neighboring countries retained the option used during the Soviet Union. Therefore, it often turns out that the date of the celebration coincides, since the main part of the events is always held on the last day of June. Nowadays they no longer set Stakhanovist records; the scenario for the Youth Day 2021 event includes what is popular. Most often it is the following:
- Various flash mobs. Here everything is thought out in advance; there can be a huge number of options.
- Cosplay competitions are becoming more and more popular and are found not only in the capital, but also in other cities.
- Variety and dance competitions, tournaments of comedy teams and stand-up comedians. This is a very broad area, covering many areas and allowing everyone to show their talent.
- Scientific conferences, events dedicated to solving certain problems that concern young people and other age categories.
- Quests of different directions that can cover entire regions. They often organize campaigns to remove garbage, restore order at certain facilities, etc.
- IT events are very popular. Virtual reality, gaming tournaments and so on - modern youth gladly take part in all such competitions.
- Charity is another mandatory area. There can be anything here - from festivals and fairs, the proceeds from which go to hospitals, orphanages, etc., to visiting boarding schools, giving gifts.
- Art lovers can visit theater performances and film premieres; museums often organize events to coincide with this event. There are a lot of options, it all depends on the infrastructure of a particular city.
Almost everywhere, the holiday ends with a dance program with performances by invited artists or cover bands. Fireworks can also be called one of the traditions, as they are launched in the evening in all major cities. In addition, there may be special traditions unique to a certain locality.
Competitions
With eyes closed Before the competition, participants must be blindfolded. They put thick kitchen mittens on their hands. Guests of the holiday stand in front of the competition participants, whom they must touch and guess their names. The winner is the contestant who completes the task the fastest and names the name correctly.
Pencil Participants of the competition are divided into two teams with an equal number of participants. The competitors stand in a line. The first participant is given a pencil, which they hold between their nose and upper lip. At the leader’s command, the participants begin to pass a pencil to each other without using their hands. The team that completes the task faster wins.
Orange The competition participants stand in a line in front of the table. An orange is placed in front of each competitor. On command, the contestants begin to peel the fruit without using their hands. The winner is the one who manages to complete the task faster.
Planned scenario for events in Moscow
Due to the epidemiological situation, Youth Day in Moscow in 2020 was held primarily in an online format, although it was possible to visit designated areas in several parks that were intended for outdoor enthusiasts. This year there are positive changes, many have already been vaccinated against coronavirus, so events for Youth Day 2021 in the capital will be much more diverse. There is no exact information yet, but preliminary information is as follows:
- The main place, according to tradition, is Gorky Park. On its territory there are many thematic platforms where you can take part in master classes of various types or compete in strength and dexterity with other participants. Humorous festivals will allow you to plunge into positivity, and at the end of the day, according to tradition, there will be a concert and fireworks display.
- Izmailovsky Park hosts events dedicated to family values. These include various master classes, quizzes, etc. Also traditional are various exhibitions from educational and cultural centers, educational work and other activities aimed at making young people aware of the importance of family values.
- The Bauman Garden is usually given to religious organizations; this place can be considered the center of Orthodox work on Youth Day. Master classes on icon painting are held, you can practice bell ringing, and witness various historical reconstructions. Here you can get lessons in floristry, try Lenten dishes and learn about all the features of their preparation. People interested in the history of Orthodoxy can learn many interesting facts at thematic exhibitions.
- Another popular place is VINZAVOD, where everything related to contemporary art is collected and you can visit original exhibitions. This platform is traditionally given to representatives of youth media, gathering thematic conferences, ensuring the establishment of connections between young and experienced journalists. You can attend a master class, learn about trends in media development and plunge into the world of modern media.
This is not a complete list of places where themed youth events are held. More detailed information can be found in the announcements of a specific area; usually there are at least several dozen sites operating in the city and everyone will find something that interests them.
Cool congratulations in pictures
Among young people there is often an ironic opinion that congratulations in pictures are suitable for old ladies. They often use greeting cards and send them on any occasion. But you can find and download original pictures for free, which will be appropriate for Youth Day. Here are some interesting options that the younger generation will appreciate.
Present
Tickets. Tickets to the cinema, theater, or concert of your favorite band will be a good surprise that will allow you to have fun in your free time.
Gadgets. Young people don’t spend a day without gadgets. New items from the electronic devices section will be an excellent holiday gift. In this category you can find a gift for every taste and price category: headphones, tablet, mobile phone, laptop, flash drive, selfie stick.
Set of sweets. A set of your favorite sweets, decorated in the form of a bouquet or in a creative gift box, will be a pleasant present.
Sport equipment. Balls for playing volleyball or football, tennis rackets, rollers, a skateboard will be a wonderful gift for someone who likes to spend their free time actively.
