Defender of the Fatherland Day – Feb. 23, 2027

Expected Defender of the Fatherland Day Deals

As a day of national recognition, Defender of the Fatherland Day typically sees less commercial deal activity and more focus on official commemorations and family appreciation. However, some retailers may offer promotions on gifts for men, given its informal status as ‘Men’s Day.’ Historically, stores like Lenta and Magnit might feature discounts on electronics, tools, and personal care items. Online marketplaces such as Ozon and Wildberries often run themed sales on patriotic merchandise or gifts. Military-focused stores like Voentorg will see increased traffic for uniforms and memorabilia. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as February 23 approaches.

History of Defender of the Fatherland Day

The Defender of the Fatherland Day was first commemorated in 1919. On February 17, 1918, during the Russian Civil War, the first mass draft into the Red Army occurred in Petrograd and Moscow. It was decided in January 1919 to combine the commemoration of that day with the commemoration of the publication of the decree establishing the Red Army. Because February 17 fell on a Monday in 1919, the holiday was moved to the following Sunday, February 23.

That day has remained unchanged ever since. It was originally called Red Army Day. In 1923, it was renamed Day of the Red Army and Navy, and it was also renamed Soviet Army and Navy Day in 1949. Following the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, Russian President Vladimir Putin gave the holiday its current name in 2002, declaring it a state holiday in Russia.

Officially, as the name implies, the holiday honors those who serve or have served in the Russian Armed Forces (both men and women, military and civilian personnel). Still, unofficially, nationally, it has come to represent the celebration of men in general and to serve as a counterpart to International Women’s Day.

One of Moscow’s holiday traditions is laying wreaths at the tomb of the “Unknown Soldier” near the Kremlin. The Russian President, the heads of both chambers of parliament, military commanders, congressmen from other branches of government, political party leaders, and officials from the Russian Orthodox Church arrived at the Alexander Garden, located close to the Moscow Kremlin walls.

Following a minute of silence, the national anthem is played, followed by a solemn march by an honor guard unit. In the evening, the country’s leadership attends a holiday concert at the State Kremlin Palace. In Moscow and many other Russian cities, fireworks are also displayed in the middle of the night. On February 23, Omsk’s Cathedral Square will host a military parade.

How Businesses Can Celebrate Defender of the Fatherland Day