Russia is celebrating the Day of National Unity. While the November 4 holiday has created some controversy, most citizens seem unconcerned about the historical significance of yet another day off work.

Uniting Russian people – that was the goal of the State Duma when it added the Day of Unity to the official calendar three years ago.

It reminds Russians of the period in history when in 1612, Russia overcame an unbelievable, catastrophic split in society.

The symbols of the holiday are a merchant named Kuzma Minin and a nobleman Dmitry Pozharsky, who joined their efforts to overthrow Polish-Lithuanian invaders whose seat of power had been the Kremlin for around 50 years.

The holiday marks the end of the Time of Troubles, the era between the death of the last Rurik Tzar and the establishment of the Romanov Dynasty.

Replacing a Soviet holiday

During Soviet times, the main autumn holiday was November 7, which marked the anniversary of the Bolshevik revolution.

Head of Moscow's Russian Research Institute Andrey Fursov says that there is a political reason for another holiday in November.

“Our current administration doesn't like the November 7 date, it reminds people of our Soviet past, that we are systematically rejecting,” Fursov says.

Even if the majority of Russian people do not know the origin of the holiday, for many it is simply a perfect opportunity for a long week-end.

Compared to other holidays in the Russian calendar, this one is still quite young. The Day of Unity is being celebrated only for the 3rd time and so has a way to go before it captures the imagination.

But most Russians are eager to have something common to celebrate.

And even though it has not yet acquired its own traditions, memories and sentiments, the holiday gives Russians a much needed autumn recess.