Lake Baikal Day in Russia Date in the current year: September 1, 2024

Lake Baikal is located in Siberia between Irkutsk Oblast and the Buryat Republic. In adidtion to being the largest freshwater lake by volume in the world, it is also the world’s deepest and oldest lake, as well as one of the clearest lakes on the planet. Baikal is home to thousands of animal and plant species, many of which are endemic to the region. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.

The first celebration of Lake Baikal Day in Siberia took place in 1999. Back theen, the holiday was observed on the fourth Sunday in August. It was moved to the second Sunday in September in 2008 and then to the first Sunday in September in 2015. Originally observed only in Irkutsk, it has grown into a nationwide celebration.

On the occasion of Lake Baikal Day, Russian environmental organizations host lectures, seminars, exhibitions, film festivals, and other events and activities that aim to let the general public learn more about the unique lake, as well as to emphasize the importance of its conservation.