The policy of the USSR did not support religious beliefs, so all Orthodox holidays that Russia celebrates now were banned. But socialist holidays were celebrated.
The most important holidays
There were few holidays in the Soviet Union, they were celebrated mainly with noisy home feasts or went to concerts dedicated to a certain date. Three holidays were considered the most significant, they were certainly accompanied by parades throughout the country, workers were given prizes and awarded honorary titles.
- November 7, Anniversary of the Great October Socialist Revolution of 1917;
- May 1, International Day of Workers' Solidarity;
- May 9, Victory Day, celebrated since 1945.
These three holidays were considered sacred for the Soviet people. They carefully prepared for them, drew banners for the parades in advance, memorized poems and songs dedicated to these days. The enterprises prepared reports on the work done, held gala concerts, awarded the best workers with certificates of honor and titles, presented personalized gifts and holiday sets.
How the holidays were celebrated
In the morning these days, the Soviet people went to the parade. All city organizations, including schoolchildren, students and veterans, passed by the stands in orderly, friendly columns. From the stands they were congratulated by the top leadership of the city, and in response everyone shouted cheerfully and amicably "Hurray!"
After such a parade, mass festivities were held for the workers with various competitions, quizzes and small memorable gifts.
Here you could eat barbecue, drink a hundred grams and sing your favorite folk songs.
Then all in friendly companies went home, where the main feast continued. Although there were not many delicacies on Soviet tables, each hostess tried to prepare something special for this day.
The rest of the holidays in the USSR, in general, were celebrated in the same way. The only thing that they were celebrated much more modestly, in a close family circle or visiting loved ones.
Since there were few holidays, people were looking forward to each significant date with impatience.
All holidays were given a special patriotic meaning, people were proud of their country and were truly glad that they were living in such a wonderful powerful state as the Soviet Union.
The main holidays of the USSR (except November 7) are now celebrated in modern Russia. They simply removed several symbolic dates associated with the communist system. This is Pioneer Day, Lenin's birthday, Komsomol day and the like, but the main holidays have remained the same.
