World Russian Unity Day is marked on 21 September

World Russian Unity Day is observed on 21 September. This unofficial holiday is dedicated to preserving the Russian language, culture and historical memory, as well as maintaining ties between compatriots in different countries. It was first celebrated in 2010 on the initiative of the Russian Union of Compatriots.

The date brings together several important events in Russian history and culture. On 21 September, the Russian Orthodox Church celebrates the Nativity of the Most Holy Theotokos, one of its major religious holidays. The date is also associated with the invitation of the Varangians to Rus in 862 and the beginning of Rurik's rule, as well as the anniversary of the victory of Russian forces in the Battle of Kulikovo in 1380, led by Grand Prince Dmitry Donskoy.

The holiday is primarily centred on culture and historical memory. It aims to preserve the Russian language and traditions, maintain ties between compatriots abroad and introduce people in different countries to Russia's cultural legacy. The Russian birch has become the symbol of World Russian Unity Day. Every year, events dedicated to the date are held under different mottos, including "Let's Preserve the Russian Language!", "The History of Rus' Is Great — Remember It!" and "Unity and Harmony Will Save the Russian World!"

For the National Centre RUSSIA, the idea of cultural and historical unity is reflected in a wide range of projects. Visitors learn about the traditions of the country's regions, explore the Russian language and literature, discover traditional handicrafts and engage with projects that offer a view of Russia through the stories of its people.

In 2026, the National Centre RUSSIA hosted the nationwide "Razgon" Festival, a large-scale youth event dedicated to World Russian Unity Day. The festival brought together participants from Moscow and regions across Russia, providing a platform for activists to meet, exchange experience, present outstanding initiatives and achievements, and take part in creative performances, competitions and educational activities. The festival's central aim was to highlight the common bonds shared by young people from different regions of the country, give participants an opportunity to express themselves and showcase their talents, projects and achievements, and meet like-minded people and exchange experience.

The festival continues a tradition established the previous year. On 21 September 2025, the National Centre RUSSIA hosted the "Razgon" Student Community Festival, also dedicated to World Russian Unity Day. It brought together nearly 1,000 students and guests from across the country. Participants presented projects in a wide range of fields, from science and the arts to agriculture and space exploration.

Another initiative is the nationwide project "The Smile of Russia. The Smile of Unity". Participants share stories about themselves and their families, mark cities connected with their family histories on an interactive map and create their own "map of roots". This contributes to a shared visual archive showcasing Russia's diversity, family histories, connections between generations and cultural traditions.
The theme of unity is also reflected in other activities organised by the Centre. For example, at the International Festival of Youth, the National Centre RUSSIA stand hosted the "Khorovod of Unity" ("Round Dance of Unity") flash mob, bringing participants representing different countries and generations together in a shared dance.