Novy God (Russian New Year)

Categories:: Federal
Tags:: Cultural Holidays Festivities Historical
Where:: Russia
Date change rule:: Every January 14
Holiday emoji:: 🇷🇺

Novy God, meaning ‘New Year’ in Russian, arrives every January 14, offering a unique opportunity to celebrate the turn of the calendar twice. Rooted in historical calendar changes, this day is filled with festive traditions, family gatherings, and delicious food. Gather your loved ones, prepare a feast, and discover the rich cultural significance of this special observance.

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Expected Novy God (Russian New Year) Deals

While specific 2027 promotions are still emerging, Novy God celebrations typically inspire a range of deals on Russian and Eastern European specialty foods, beverages, and cultural items. Look for discounts on delicacies like caviar, blini, and kvass at international grocery stores and online retailers. Brands like Russian Standard Vodka and Stolichnaya often see increased sales, while specialty shops might offer bundles for traditional New Year’s Eve (Novy God Eve) feasts. Keep an eye out for promotions from cultural centers and online stores specializing in gifts like Matryoshka Dolls or traditional crafts. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as January 14 approaches.

Platform Guide for Novy God (Russian New Year)

TikTok

Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #NovyGod. Film your Novy God feast preparations, from Olivier salad to blini, or share your favorite Russian traditions.

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NovyGod. Post photos of your decorated home, festive table settings, or family gatherings to celebrate Russian New Year.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NovyGod. Share stories of your family’s Novy God traditions or connect with others celebrating.

Novy God (Russian New Year) Hero

Peter the Great

Peter the Great, who ruled Russia from 1682 to 1725, played a pivotal role in modernizing Russia and aligning it with Western Europe. In 1699, he decreed that Russia would adopt the Julian calendar and celebrate the New Year on January 1, moving it from September 1. This reform laid the groundwork for the later calendar discrepancies that led to Novy God's current date.

History of Novy God (Russian New Year)

Unlike most of the world, Russia gets to celebrate New Year twice! The first is what is referred to as “New” New Year, which is the holiday that falls on January 1 and the second is the Old New Year (or Orthodox New Year), which is celebrated on January 14.

The New Year begins just before midnight when everyone watches the New Year address by the president of Russia, an annual tradition in which the president makes a speech from the Kremlin, followed by watching the famous Kremlin clock strike midnight. The tradition of having the president give a speech started in 1941 when the Soviet government gave a speech regarding the country’s affairs during World War II. Eventually, presidents strayed from politics and began speaking about more cheerful topics, such as family values and the holiday spirit.

Ancient Russians celebrated on March 1. In 988, the Byzantine Empire introduced Russia to Christianity. The Byzantines used a calendar called the Creation Era of Constantinople. This calendar started from the day they believed the world was created according to the Greek Old Testament, “Septuagint,” over 5508 years before the birth of Jesus. However, the Byzantines changed the date to September 1. This is because it was believed that the Antichrist would descend on September 1, 1492. While Russia adopted the Gregorian calendar in 1918, the Russian Orthodox Church still uses the Julian calendar. In 1699, Peter the Great declared that the New Year will be celebrated “the European way” as Russians taking time off in September, a working month in Europe, lost too much money. When Russia adopted the Gregorian calendar, there was a discrepancy of 13 days. Some Russians celebrated on January 1 while others celebrated on January 14. This change now means that even those with a preference get to celebrate twice.

Novy God (Russian New Year) timeline

988

Christianity is Introduced

The Byzantine Empire introduces Russians to Christianity.

1492

Fearing the End of Days

Russians anxiously await the End of Days.

1699

A Change in Date

Peter the Great changes the New Year to January 1.

1918

Using the Gregorian Calendar

Russia adopts the Gregorian Calendar.

1941

A New Tradition Starts

The Soviet government starts the tradition of giving a speech on the New Year.

How Businesses Can Celebrate Novy God (Russian New Year)

Local businesses can embrace Novy God by offering special promotions or themed events. Restaurants could feature a ‘Taste of Russia’ menu with traditional dishes like pelmeni, blini, and borscht. International grocery stores can highlight Russian ingredients and offer recipe cards for festive meals. Cultural centers might host virtual or in-person workshops on Russian crafts or language, inviting the community to learn about the holiday’s rich heritage.

Novy God (Russian New Year) FAQs

When is Novy God (Russian New Year)?

In 2027, Novy God will be celebrated on Saturday, January 14. This day marks the traditional ‘Old New Year’ for many who follow the Julian calendar, making for a festive mid-January occasion.

Why is Novy God celebrated on January 14?

The celebration on January 14 stems from the historical shift from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar. Many Orthodox Christian communities and those with Russian heritage continue to observe the New Year according to the older Julian calendar’s reckoning of January 1.

How is Novy God different from the Gregorian New Year?

Novy God offers a ‘second chance’ to celebrate the New Year, with many traditions mirroring those of the Gregorian New Year, such as festive meals, toasts, and gift-giving. The key difference lies in its adherence to the Julian calendar, maintaining a connection to historical and religious practices.

What are some popular Novy God traditions?

Many families gather for a lavish dinner, often featuring champagne toasts at midnight and a spread of traditional Russian delicacies. The day is also a time for reflection, making wishes for the coming year, and enjoying quality time with loved ones, extending the holiday spirit.

Novy God (Russian New Year) Activities

Throw a party
No matter when you celebrate, a New Year’s party is a must. You can even celebrate twice! Get some champagne and food, play music, and enjoy the night with your loved ones.
Follow traditions
Russians start the year with a cleanse by forgiving those who wronged them, cleaning their house, and taking a long bath. Instead of making a resolution, write your wish on a piece of paper, burn it, and scatter the ashes in a glass of champagne. Bottoms up! And don’t forget to watch the president’s speech.
Watch “The Irony of Fate”
Russian New Year is not complete without family and friends getting together to watch the extremely popular Russian rom-com “The Irony of Fate.” Arrange a movie night with your friends and enjoy this uplifting comedy together. Serve some tasty foods while watching the movie, and don’t forget the classic Russian New Year’s dish, Olivier salad!

5 Fascinating Facts About Russia

Most Russians don’t celebrate Christmas
Most Russians are Russian Orthodox, believers without religion, or atheists, so Christmas was only introduced in the 20th century and is thus not part of the culture — this is why Christmas traditions are practiced on New Year’s instead.
They love cats
According to legend, Empress Elisabeth allowed cats to live in the Hermitage Museum in 1745, and there are now 70 of them with hired caretakers.
They invented Tetris
Alexey Pajitnov invented the popular computer game in 1984, introducing it to Europe and North America three years later.
Russia sold Alaska
Russia sold Alaska to the U.S. in 1897 for $7.2 million, which is now estimated to be $120 million with inflation — this was mostly because of the difficult living conditions and lack of natural resources.
They have 11 time zones
One benefit of this is that those who want to enjoy the New Year can watch the presidential speech before it officially airs at midnight.

Why We Love Novy God (Russian New Year)

It feels like Christmas
Russian New Year means decorating a tree with garlands and candy and waiting for Ded Moroz, or Grandfather Frost, to bring presents to the children. Instead of flying with his reindeer, he skis, hikes, and rides on a ‘troika’ (Russian horse-drawn carriage) to reach his destination. He visits during the day and is not afraid of showing his face.
Russians celebrate for two weeks
The discrepancy in the calendars and how close in time the holidays are means that Russians are joyful and festive for those two weeks. It’s common to make extra food on January 1 for the coming celebration.
It’s diverse
The fact that the two dates are formal holidays allows both Christians and Russian Orthodox followers the chance to honor their culture and faith. This is especially important as the Soviet Union did not allow religious holiday celebrations.