Unity Day, also known as National Unity Day, is a significant holiday in Russia celebrated on November 4th annually. This relatively new holiday was established by the Russian government in 2005 and was first commemorated that same year. It marks the anniversary of a popular uprising that led to the expulsion of Polish occupation forces from Moscow in 1612.
In its historic sense, Unity Day commemorates a critical event in Russia’s early 17th century history when the national volunteer army and the militia jointly expelled Polish forces from the Kremlin in Moscow after a long period of occupation. This event ended the Time of Troubles and began the reign of the Romanov Dynasty. That is why Unity Day has also been known as a day to remember Moscow's liberation from Polish invaders.
Members of the Orthodox Church as well as Russian nationalists see Unity Day as a reminder of their country's past struggles and victories. The holiday was created to replace the traditional Soviet holiday and represents a move toward celebrating national pride and unity within the country. Festivities usually consist of several activities including concerts, exhibitions, parades and many others which aim to recognize Russia’s rich heritage, multi-ethnic history and unity.