The tricolour that unites the country

Three principal colours: white, blue and red. Three significant symbols: peace, loyalty and strength. The Day of the State Flag of the Russian Federation is celebrated annually on 22 August. Established by presidential decree in 1994, the holiday is dedicated to one of the country’s principal official symbols — the white, blue and red tricolour. The National Centre RUSSIA is a place where history, culture, traditions and achievements come together, and here we feel particularly strongly that the flag unites not only territories but also people’s destinies.

The history of this symbol spans more than three centuries. The white, blue and red flag is believed to have first appeared during the reign of Alexei Mikhailovich and was eventually established as the merchant flag under Peter the Great. The tricolour was officially restored as the state symbol of Russia on 22 August 1991, and three years later, the date became a national holiday.

Today, each colour of the flag has its own symbolic meaning. White represents peace, purity and nobility; blue represents faith, loyalty and spirituality; and red represents energy, strength and the memory of those who defended the Fatherland. Ceremonial tricolour-raising events, concerts, expositions, flash mobs and patriotic campaigns are held across the country on 22 August. The large-scale unfurling of the flag, bringing together thousands of participants, occupies a special place among the holiday traditions.

The celebration of the Day of the State Flag is also an important event at the National Centre RUSSIA. The role of state symbols in strengthening national identity has been discussed here on numerous occasions, in a space dedicated to pride, achievements and faith in the future. The permanent "Journey Across Russia" exposition also reflects the country’s scale and unity, symbolised by the tricolour. Each exhibit is part of an immense tapestry woven from people’s destinies, languages and traditions, while the flag serves as the connecting thread that brings together the achievements of all federal districts, as well as their unique natural environment, history, culture and architecture.

Themed events dedicated to the Day of the State Flag of the Russian Federation are being held not only at the National Centre RUSSIA in Moscow, but also at its regional branches. This demonstrates that people throughout the vast country, from Vladivostok to Kaliningrad, share a sense of belonging to a common history and its symbols. The National Centre RUSSIA in Primorye, for example, will hold a campaign whose central event will be a ceremonial unfurling of the tricolour. Everyone is welcome to participate, including both residents and visitors to the region. Together, they will create a vivid symbolic moment dedicated to the country, its history and its people.

The "Flags of Russian Regions" quiz was held in Yugra on 20 August. Its programme included several themed rounds covering the history of the Russian tricolour, the meanings of colours and symbols on flags, and interesting facts about how the culture and history of different territories are reflected in state symbols. The "Living Tricolour" campaign is also being held at the National Centre RUSSIA in the Krasnoyarsk Territory from 18 to 22 August. Every guest can become part of an interactive installation by attaching white, blue and red ribbons, the colours of the Russian flag, to a specially designed structure. In addition, the National Centre RUSSIA, together with the regional branch of DOSAAF of Russia in the Krasnoyarsk Territory, is preparing a record-breaking parachute jump from an altitude of 1,500 metres. The country’s largest flag will be unfurled in the sky above the regional capital.