Changes to the holiday calendar for March 2025 have been announced for Russian citizens, affecting working days and weekends. According to AmurMedia, this March will see 21 working days and 10 weekend days, with one reduced working day noted.
International Women’s Day, which falls on Saturday, March 8, will not be accompanied by the typical additional day off this year. Instead, the Russian government has decided to move the holiday to June 13, allowing citizens to enjoy their time off during the celebration of Russia's Day, which runs from June 12 to June 15.
On March 7, the day prior to International Women’s Day, employees will work reduced hours. This is part of the Russian labor regulations, as typically when holidays fall on weekends, the days off are transferred to nearby working days to increase rest periods, as stated by Govoritsatka. "Как правило, если праздник выпадает на субботу или воскресенье, его переносят на ближайший рабочий день," noted one source, reflecting how the government aims to maintain work-life balance.
This shift is significant, not just for its immediate impact on March 2025, but for the precedent it sets for future holiday planning. The adjustment to International Women’s Day reflects the government’s commitment to ensuring public holidays are both recognized and enjoyed by the workforce.
Looking forward, citizens can expect longer holidays during the May festivities. Specifically, Russians will enjoy breaks from May 1 to 4 and again from May 8 to 11. These extended weekends are anticipated to provide much-needed relaxation for many after the adjustments made earlier in the year.
The changes to this year's holiday calendar highlight the importance of planning and the balancing act required by the government to accommodate both observances of special days and workforce needs. With numerous public holidays throughout the year, clear communication on work schedules is imperative for both employees and employers.
Overall, March 2025 will present unique challenges and opportunities for workers across Russia. While the absence of an immediate day off for International Women’s Day might disappointedly shift the dynamics of celebration, the continuation of traditional practices like shortened workdays ensures some semblance of acknowledgement for these occasions. It’s important for citizens to navigate these changes and plan accordingly, particularly as they look forward to the upcoming holidays.
With this new arrangement established, it will be interesting to see how the adjustment is received by the public and whether any additional changes will be made to holiday schedules moving forward. For now, Russian citizens are encouraged to embrace the planned adjustments and take advantage of the breaks available later this spring.