As the Spring and Labor Day holiday approaches, Russians are gearing up for a much-anticipated four-day weekend. From May 1 to May 4, 2025, citizens will enjoy a break that stretches from Thursday to Sunday. This extended holiday is made possible by a recent adjustment in the work calendar, which shifted a day off from Saturday, January 4, to Friday, May 2.
According to the production calendar for 2025 published on the State Duma's website, the month of May will feature 18 working days alongside 13 holidays and weekends. Notably, the two public holidays during this month are the Spring and Labor Day on May 1 and Victory Day on May 9, days when the workforce across the Russian Federation will not be required to work.
Leading up to the May Day festivities, workers will only need to be present for three days from April 28 to April 30. The last day of this workweek, April 30, will see a shortened schedule, with employees clocking out one hour early in recognition of the upcoming holiday. As stated in the production calendar, "On the eve of the May 1 holiday, the Day of All Workers, it is necessary to work only three days from April 28 to April 30."
The holiday on May 1 falls on a Thursday, followed by a non-working day on Friday, May 2, due to the aforementioned adjustment. The weekend will continue with regular Saturday and Sunday off days on May 3 and 4. This pattern of extended breaks is a welcome relief for many workers, providing an opportunity for rest and celebration.
After the May Day holiday, another brief workweek awaits, lasting from May 5 to May 7, which will also consist of just three working days. Following this, Russians will again pause their work for the Victory Day festivities, which will take place from May 8 to May 11, marking another four-day weekend. As noted, "In honor of Victory Day, Russians will rest from May 8 to May 11, 2025, from Thursday to Sunday."
This pattern of extended holidays is not just a one-time occurrence. Thanks to the shifting of days off from Saturday, January 4, to Friday, May 2, and from Sunday, February 23, to Thursday, May 8, Russians will benefit from two separate four-day weekends in May alone. The production calendar clearly outlines that these adjustments have allowed for a more favorable holiday schedule, making May particularly festive.
In fact, the month of May is packed with holidays, as it will include not only the Spring and Labor Day and Victory Day but also weekends on May 17-18, May 24-25, and May 31. This means that citizens will have ample opportunities to rest and enjoy time with family and friends.
Looking ahead, the next long weekend will arrive in June, coinciding with Russia Day, which will extend from June 12 to June 15. This upcoming break is anticipated with great enthusiasm, as it follows the trend of multiple extended holiday periods throughout the spring and into the summer.
As Russians prepare for these holidays, many are already planning how to spend their time off. Whether it’s spending time in nature, enjoying family gatherings, or participating in local festivities, the long weekends provide a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
In summary, the adjustments to the work calendar have resulted in a series of extended holidays for Russians in May 2025. With the upcoming breaks for both Spring and Labor Day and Victory Day, workers can look forward to a well-deserved respite. As the production calendar details, the month promises to be a time of celebration and relaxation, highlighting the importance of these national holidays in Russian culture.
As the holiday nears, the excitement builds, and the anticipation of a four-day weekend is palpable. The rhythm of work and rest continues to play a significant role in the lives of Russians, shaping their experiences and traditions.
