Day of Sobriety in Russia Date in the current year: September 11, 2024
Day of Sobriety is an unofficial Russian holiday celebrated on September 11. It was first observed in 1911 or 1914 (according to different sources) and did not gain much popularity. Then the holiday was forgotten for a long time, until activists of Russian temperance movement decided to revive it in the 21st century.The original Day of Sobriety was instituted by the Russian Orthodox Church. The date of September 11 was chosen because on this day Eastern Orthodox Christians celebrate Beheading of the Holy and Glorious Prophet, Forerunner and Baptist John. On this day, the faithful are expected to observe a strict fast, which includes abstinence from alcohol.
After the Russian Revolution of 1917, the Church lost its influence in Russia, and Day of Sobriety was forgotten. However, the Soviet government struggled for sobriety in its own way by carrying out anti-alcohol campaigns. In the USSR, there were several major campaigns in 1918, 1929, 1958, 1972 and 1985.
Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, Russian temperance movement groups decided to revive the celebration of Day of Sobriety. Their initiative was supported by the Russian Orthodox Church. However, the holiday is still unofficial.
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- Unofficial Holidays
Country
- Russia
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- Day of Sobriety in Russia, holidays in Russia, unofficial holiday, Beheading of St John the Baptist