Not only the “Sun of Poetry”, but also the creator of the modern language. If not for Alexander Sergeevich, perhaps we would have spoken differently today. For the sake of interest, read the lyrics of his predecessors or contemporaries and you will understand that no one wrote so clearly before Pushkin. Therefore, the memory of the writer is especially honored and even a holiday was invented – Pushkin’s Day. It will be celebrated in Our Country in 2023 as well.
When celebrated
The date for Pushkin’s Day was simply chosen – the birthday of the writer and poet in the new style 6 June (May 26 old). And it is also an interesting coincidence that in 1880 it was on June 6, according to the old style, that the first monument to the poet was opened in Moscow. The same one, in the center of the capital on Pushkin Square, which was then called Strastnaya.
history of the holiday
For the first time at the state level, the celebration was celebrated in 1999, on the day of the 200th anniversary of the birth of a literary genius. Then a presidential decree was signed on the establishment of Pushkin Day in Our Country. However, admirers of the writer’s talent did not forget to celebrate his birthday before. Literary evenings, scientific conferences and festivals were held. In addition, the Soviet authorities had a favorable attitude towards the poet, and therefore they did not forget to honor him.
Over time, Pushkin’s Day was combined with another holiday – the Day of the Language. It happened in 2011. The coincidence, of course, is not accidental. The celebration, again, was supported at the highest level by a presidential decree. Also included in the list of “linguistic” UN holidays dedicated to world languages. It is interesting that in almost all languages this holiday coincides with a memorable date in honor of the national literary genius.
Holiday traditions
The widest traditions of celebrating Pushkin’s Day exist all over the world. Literary museums usually hold thematic events: they arrange readings, carnivals and even balls. The date is most widely celebrated in Moscow and St. Petersburg.
Of the regions, the traditions of the holiday are actively supported by the Pskov region, since the Mikhailovskoye Museum-Reserve is located there – the very one where Pushkin spent a long exile. A poetic celebration has been held here since the distant 1967. The center of the holiday is the Crimean Gurzuf. I must say that even before the approval of the Day of the Language, when the holiday became more massive, Crimea actively promoted the idea of Pushkin’s Day.
Many cities have libraries named after the poet. Absolutely, and they hold small celebrations. And reenactors are very fond of dressing up as Alexander Sergeevich – a painfully colorful image – and organizing flash mobs. For example, this is how they do it in Chelyabinsk, where a costume procession takes place along the central streets.
Interesting facts about the holiday
- In the notes of Alexander Pushkin, and in his poems, memories of his birthday and attitude towards it are not often mentioned. But it is known that the day of the angel, which the poet and his family celebrated on June 2, was definitely important.
- The first time Pushkin’s Day was celebrated in Our Country in 1880, when the monument was unveiled. It is interesting that the celebration was planned on May 26 – the birthday of the poet. But Empress Maria Alexandrovna died. The celebration was postponed for two weeks due to mourning – on June 6, the monument was opened. Moscow was walking that day: there were processions, public recitations of poetry – the entire literary beau monde gathered. It is interesting that only Leo Tolstoy did not come – by that time he preferred a solitary life, and frankly did not favor the poet’s poems.
- In 1937, often associated in history with the brutality and repression of the firmly established Soviet regime, the 100th anniversary of the poet’s death was celebrated on a grand scale. They restored his house-museum, published a collection of works and gathered the entire party elite at the Bolshoi Theater for a meeting on the occasion of a memorable date. The event was broadcast on the radio throughout the Union.
- In the USSR, the question was repeatedly raised of making a feature film about the great poet, timed to coincide with Pushkin’s Day. But none of the directors dared to tell the story of the writer’s life. Only documentary and educational films were released.
- Pushkin’s day could well become a day off. Boris Yeltsin expressed this idea when he approved the holiday at the state level. However, then the president forgot, and then completely left his post.