National Unity Day is celebrated in Bashkortostan

Citizens of Bashkortostan celebrate the National Unity Day today together with all Russians. This holiday, officially celebrated in the country since November 4, 2005, is connected with one of the key events in Russian history – liberation of Moscow from Polish usurpers. On November 4, 1612, the people’s volunteer corps under guidance of Kuzma Minin and Dmitry Pozarski had taken the China-town and thereby liberated Moscow from Polish invaders, demonstrating heroism and solidarity of the whole Russian nation irrespective of religion and status. In 1649 the Day of Kazan Godmother Icon – November 4 (October 22 according to the old style calendar) – was officially declared a state holiday in accordance with the decree of the Tsar Alexei Mikhailovitch. But after establishment of the Soviet power the tradition to celebrate celebration of Moscow from Polish usurpers was interrupted. Thereby the National Unity, Day, established in Russia seven years ago, is not a new holiday but the return to the old tradition.

Plenty of public-political, cultural and sports actions are scheduled in the capital RB on the occasion of the National Unity Day. Thus, a festive show will take place at Ufa Culture Palace and charitable film shows and lectures will take place in Ufa cinema-theaters. A light athletics cross-country race will take place in the park by M. Gafuri and the XIII traditional basketball tournament in the memory of A. Znamenski among veterans and pupils will start in the sports center “NEFTYANIK”. Simiar actions will be held in all towns and regions of Bashkortostan.