Is February 23 celebrated in Belarus? Day of Defenders of the Fatherland and Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus

Today, most citizens consider February 23 - Defender of the Fatherland Day - as the day of real men. On this day, everyone who is related to military service is officially congratulated, and not officially - the entire male population of the country is honored and congratulated. This is a men's holiday when men rightfully accept gifts, congratulations and gratitude!

There are several versions of the origin of the holiday and the rationale for the date of its celebration.

According to one version, in connection with the resumption of hostilities by German and Austro-Hungarian troops, the Council of People's Commissars on January 28, 1918 published a Decree on the creation of the Workers' and Peasants' Red Army. The idea of ​​celebrating the anniversary of the creation of the Red Army arose in 1919 and was scheduled for February 23. But, as historical documents testify, they were unable to prepare for the celebration in time. The official celebration took place only in 1922. On this day, a military parade led by Trotsky took place on Red Square, which laid the tradition of the annual national celebration.

According to another version, in order to justify the date of the holiday, Stalin in 1938 proposed to interpret the battle of Pskov and Narva on February 23, 1918 as decisive resistance by the Red Army, despite the fact that the true course of historical events was completely different. February 23 was declared the birthday of the Red Army and named “Victory Day of the Red Army over the Kaiser’s troops in Germany in 1918.”

In fact, on February 23, 1918, the Red Army did not win, but lost its first battles to the Kaiser’s troops in Germany. In 1938, Stalin, in his “Short Course on the History of the All-Union Communist Party (Bolsheviks),” outlined a different version of the origin of the date of the holiday, which was absolutely unrelated to the decree of the Council of People’s Commissars of January 15 (28), 1918.

The “Short Course...” stated that in 1918, near Narva and Pskov, “the German occupiers were given a decisive rebuff. Their advance to Petrograd was stopped. The day of repulse to the troops of German imperialism—February 23—became the birthday of the young Red Army.”

As historical documents indicate, this was partly true. The fighting near Pskov began on February 23, 1918. Then the Red Army soldiers thwarted the Germans’ attempt to capture Pskov on the move. Only in the evening of February 24, under the cover of large-caliber guns, the Germans broke through the defenses of our troops. A week before, on February 18, 1918, Austro-German and Turkish troops, violating the truce that was concluded on December 2 (15), 1917, invaded Soviet Russia and began occupying Ukraine, Belarus and the Baltic states. On February 21, 1918, German troops captured Minsk. On February 23, the Germans sent a telegram to Lenin (issued an ultimatum) demanding that he accept their conditions within 48 hours. The Bolsheviks did not wait so long and on the morning of February 24, Lenin telegraphed to Berlin: “The Council of People's Commissars decided on the peace conditions proposed by the German government, to accept and send a delegation to Brest-Litovsk.” On March 3, the Brest Peace Treaty was signed, according to which Belarus was given to the Germans. The Germans left Minsk only in December 1918, when Germany capitulated to Western countries. Thus, on February 23, 1918, Belarus was under German occupation. Therefore, February 23 is, rather, a kind of sacred symbol for Belarus, which is associated with the creation and action of the Workers' and Peasants' Red Army, which saved humanity from fascism. On this day we pay tribute to everyone who gave their lives for their Motherland and who, with their unparalleled heroism, defended the right of the Belarusian people to freedom and the opportunity to be masters of their native land.

In 1923, an order was issued according to which the holiday on February 23 began to be called “Day of the Red Army and Navy.” The holiday in the USSR was highly revered and respected, although it was not a day off.

In 1946, this holiday was renamed “Day of the Soviet Army and Navy.” In Soviet times, only military personnel and everyone who worked in a military organization had the right to have a day off on February 23.

Currently, the holiday is celebrated as “Day of Defenders of the Fatherland and the Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus.” This day is rightfully considered a national holiday in our republic, a day of remembrance of the courage and heroism of all generations of defenders of the Fatherland who defended the independence of their native land.

We congratulate you today:
Men, defenders, heroes and soldiers.
We will never wish you war,
Loss, bitterness, sadness and loss.
May many of you not fight
And some don't even know how to shoot
We love you even without medals.
It's not important for men to fight.
And let it be like a reward for you
In all ages and times:
Those women who are next to you
And loyal, reliable friends!
Peaceful sky, personal happiness,
True friends and a brilliant career!

February 23 is the Day of Defenders of the Fatherland and the Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus. This year the country is also celebrating the centenary of the Armed Forces of Belarus.

It is generally accepted that the tradition of celebrating February 23 dates back to 1918. In order to protect the Soviet state from Kaiser Germany, the Soviet government decided to organize regular armed forces. On January 28, 1918, the Chairman of the Council of People's Commissars V.I. Lenin signed a decree “On the organization of the Workers' and Peasants' Red Army,” and on February 11, a decree “On the organization of the Workers' and Peasants' Red Fleet.” On February 18, 1918, Austro-German troops, violating the truce concluded on December 15, 1917, invaded Soviet Russia and began to occupy Ukraine, Belarus and the Baltic states. On February 21, Minsk was captured. On this day, the Soviet government addressed the people with the appeal “The Socialist Fatherland is in danger!”

Thus, the date of February 23 coincides with the beginning of the mass mobilization of volunteers into the Red Army.

In 1922, this date was officially declared Red Army Day, and since 1923, the celebration of February 23 was legalized by the Order of the Revolutionary Military Council of the USSR and began to be celebrated nationwide.

After the Great Patriotic War, the holiday was renamed the Day of the Soviet Army and Navy. And in 2005, the holiday celebrated in the Republic of Belarus on February 23rd received the name Defender of the Fatherland Day.

Although the Day of Defenders of the Fatherland is today perceived as the Day of real men, defenders in the broadest sense of the word, it is worth remembering that, first of all, those who defended our Motherland in different years deserve congratulations, fulfilled their international duty with valor and honor, and those who now protects the peaceful sleep of Belarusians.

On the eve of Defenders of the Fatherland Day, notaries of the Minsk Regional Notary District met with military personnel of the military unit of Borisov, congratulated them on the upcoming holiday, answered questions about certification of powers of attorney and wills, and also laid flowers at the monument to signalmen who died in battles for the Motherland.

The Minsk Regional Notary Chamber joins in the congratulations addressed to all those who, at the cost of their lives, served and are serving the cause of peace, security and stability of our state and wishes strength of spirit, courage, perseverance, health, warmth and comfort in their families.

In particular, those whose work or service is related to the police, army or military position.

Today, on this day, it is customary to congratulate all male acquaintances, from infancy to the elderly.

February 23 is celebrated in all post-Soviet republics, namely in Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Belarus, Ukraine and Transnistria.

What events happened on February 23? why was this day made a holiday?

Not many people know that the holiday, which is celebrated every year on February 23, has changed its name several times throughout its existence.

In Soviet times he was known as Soviet Army and Navy Day. And in 1918, during the appearance of this holiday, and until 1923 it was called Victory Day of the Red Army over the Kaiser's troops in Germany.

It was in 1923, when it was named Day of the Soviet Army and Navy, this date was made a day off for working people, they began to celebrate and honor it.

During the Great Patriotic War, the date February 23 became especially significant. It was during these years that she personified the fearlessness, courage and masculinity of Soviet soldiers.

After the country won victory, on this day not only the government, but also ordinary citizens gave carnations and a card to war veterans.

Every Soviet-era schoolchild should remember those days when he was given the address of a veteran and money with which he had to buy flowers and a card. Students visited the veteran and congratulated him on behalf of the entire school.

In addition, every year on this day a mandatory event was visiting monuments to fallen soldiers of the Soviet army and laying flowers.

This whole process was highly revered and valued until the collapse of the Soviet Union. Over time, some states that became independent made more than once attempts to change the name of the holiday, others crossed it out from the number of public holidays, and, therefore, it ceased to be considered a day off.

In 1993-1994 the holiday was renamed Russian Army Day, and a year later it received the name Defender of the Fatherland Day. As for Russia, the army has always been important in the process of state formation.

In this regard, it is now customary on February 23 to congratulate all boys and men, especially those who serve or have already served in the army. Also in Russia, a special state program has been developed to maintain order in places where soldiers are buried and at monuments.

When Ukraine became independent, initially they tried to cancel this holiday, but they decided to move it to December 6, calling Day of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

But in 1999, February 23 again received its well-deserved status as Defender of the Fatherland Day. Only they didn’t do it on the weekend. Ukraine does not celebrate February 23 on a national scale; only family traditions remain, which involve congratulating all relatives and beloved men.

When Belarus was declared an independent state, the holiday was called Day of Defender of the Fatherland and the Armed Forces of Belarus. The Republic also maintains traditions of congratulating men they know and giving gifts to the closest defenders of the fatherland.

At all times, various adjustments have been made to this holiday, but the most important thing remains: its spirit. Whatever it is called, it is on this day that the warmest wishes are sent to men and gifts are given that symbolize strength.

We are from February 23
We are in a hurry to congratulate you for good reason!
And on the day of defender of the country
We wish you not to know war!
We also wish from the bottom of our hearts -
Live beautifully, long and brightly!
And the ladies always like it
Even in old age!

Twenty third of February…
Let the whole earth be covered with snow,
But we have the beginning ready:
On the main holiday of all men
We wish you well,
A bunch of gold and silver,
Lots of happiness and success,
Only solvable problems
Don't lose face in your work -
Be a man to the end!


There's still a week until spring
The city is covered in snow,
But you really
Dry, clear and warm:
All the worries and misfortunes
They left without angering you;
Be healthy, lucky, happy!
Happy twenty-third of February!

Defender of the Fatherland Day is a holiday celebrated on February 23 in Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Kyrgyzstan and Transnistria. It was established in the USSR in 1922 as the Day of the Red Army and Navy. From 1949 to 1993 it was called “Day of the Soviet Army and Navy.” After the collapse of the USSR, the holiday also continues to be celebrated in a number of CIS countries.

The tradition of celebrating February 23rd goes back to 1918. After the victory of the Bolshevik armed uprising in Petrograd in November 1917, the young Soviet government had to fight external enemies - the First World War continued. In order to protect the Soviet state from Kaiser Germany, the new government decided to organize regular armed forces. On January 28, 1918, the Chairman of the Council of People's Commissars V.I. Lenin signed a decree “On the organization of the Workers' and Peasants' Red Army,” and on February 11, a decree “On the organization of the Workers' and Peasants' Red Fleet.” Workers who voluntarily expressed a desire to serve in the ranks of the armed defenders of the Fatherland were accepted into the army and navy.

On February 18, 1918, Austro-German and Turkish troops, treacherously violating the truce concluded on December 15, 1917, invaded Soviet Russia and began to occupy Ukraine, Belarus and the Baltic states. On February 21, Minsk was captured. On this day, the Soviet government addressed the people with the appeal “The Socialist Fatherland is in danger!”

Thus, the date of February 23 coincides with the beginning of the mass mobilization of volunteers into the Red Army. Subsequently, a version was spread about the first “victory” of the Red Army, allegedly won on February 23 over the Germans near Pskov and Narva, although most historians say that in 1918 there was not a single notable victory over the Germans, and the Brest-Litovsk Peace Treaty was signed on March 3 entirely on German terms.

In 1922, this date was officially declared Red Army Day, and since 1923, the celebration of February 23 was legalized by the Order of the Revolutionary Military Council of the USSR and began to be celebrated nationwide.

After the Great Patriotic War, the holiday was renamed the Day of the Soviet Army and Navy. With the collapse of the Soviet Union, most former Soviet republics retained the tradition of celebrating February 23, renaming it Defenders of the Fatherland Day. In the Republic of Belarus on this day, ceremonial meetings are held, honoring veterans of the Great Patriotic War, the Armed Forces, internationalist soldiers and combatants, as well as festive events and concerts. The head of state traditionally takes part in laying a wreath at the monument on Victory Square in Minsk.

Defender of the Fatherland Day 2020 is celebrated in Belarus on February 23. This is a public holiday. It is not assigned the status of a non-working holiday. The official name of the event is the Day of Defenders of the Fatherland and the Armed Forces of the Republic of Belarus. On this day, it is customary to congratulate all those who defended and who are now protecting the country from the attacks of invaders, as well as all men.

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Traditions and rituals of the holiday

On February 23, ceremonial events are held in Belarus at which veterans of the Great Patriotic War and combatants are congratulated. Representatives of the Armed Forces are presented with awards, medals, certificates, expressed gratitude, and promoted to positions and ranks.

The country's main event, dedicated to Defender of the Fatherland Day, takes place in Minsk. On Victory Square, the president lays flowers at the monument of the same name and makes a solemn speech. Military parades and festive concerts with the participation of music and dance groups are held in the squares of Belarusian cities and villages. In the evening the sky lights up with fireworks.

February 23 is considered a secular celebration among the population of Belarus. On this day, it is customary to congratulate all representatives of the stronger sex, regardless of military rank, occupation and age. Matinees and corporate parties are held in educational institutions and work groups. On this holiday, men are given gifts, cards, and wish to preserve their masculine qualities and dignity.

history of the holiday

The holiday was first officially celebrated in 1922. Its date is dedicated to the creation of the Red Army on February 23, 1918. Initially, the holiday was called “Day of the Red Army and Navy.” In 1946 it became the “Day of the Soviet Army and Navy”. Received its current name in 2005. At the state level, the holiday was established by Decree of the President of the Republic of Belarus No. 157 of March 26, 1998.

Gifts for Defender of the Fatherland Day

February 23 is a holiday for all men. On this day, women pay special attention to them and present them with gifts. The gift should correspond to the interests and hobbies of the man and emphasize his individuality.

Games and competitions for Defender of the Fatherland Day

Games and competitions are an integral part of matinees in educational institutions and corporate events in work groups dedicated to February 23. A competition-filled program of festive events helps participants and guests lift their spirits and evoke positive emotions. Games and competitions give men the opportunity to demonstrate their strength, courage, dexterity and show their best side.

Defender of the Fatherland Day is a favorite and long-awaited holiday for all representatives of the stronger sex. On this day they are the center of attention and receive congratulations and gifts.