Educational institutions across Russia resume classes on September 1 as the nation marks Knowledge Day, welcoming 1.5 million children into first grade.
The September 1 date became an official holiday in 1984 following a decree issued by the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the USSR, the former ruling body of the Soviet Union. The day marks the conclusion of summer school holidays and the formal start of the new academic year across the country.
In 2026, an estimated 1.5 million first-grade pupils step into classrooms across Russian primary schools for their very first day of formal education.
Other Observances and Regional Holidays
Beyond the return to school, several other holidays are observed in Russia and around the world on September 1. These include the Day of the Birthday of Autumn, TV Series Lovers Day, and the Statehood Day of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic.
The Kabardino-Balkarian Republic, located in the North Caucasus region of southern Russia, celebrates its official statehood on this date. Meanwhile, informal international observances give pop culture enthusiasts and seasonal celebrants a reason to mark the arrival of autumn.
Religious Feast Days and Sacred History
In the Russian Orthodox Church, September 1 is a major day of religious veneration dedicated to the Donskaya Icon of the Mother of God. According to church tradition, the sacred icon was painted by the renowned iconographer Theophanes the Greek.
Historical accounts state that the image was present among the Russian forces during the Battle of Kulikovo in 1380. Following their victory, the Don Cossacks presented the icon as a gift to Grand Prince Dmitry Donskoy, who transferred it to Moscow.
Centuries later, in 1591, Crimean Tsarevich Nuradin and his brother Murat-Giray approached Moscow with a formidable army. Muscovites conducted a solemn religious procession with the Donskaya Icon around the city perimeter to seek protection. Following the procession, the invading Crimean Tatar forces turned back and fled. In 1592, the Donskoy Monastery was founded on the exact site where the icon had stood among the soldiers to give thanks for the city's defense.
Additional church commemorations held on September 1 honor several historical Christian martyrs and saints. These include Martyr Andrew Stratelates alongside 2,593 martyrs who perished with him, Hierarch Pitirim, Bishop of Perm, Martyrs Timothy, Agapius, and Thecla, and Confessor Nikolai Lebedev.
Folk Traditions and Harvest Customs
Traditional East Slavic folklore associates September 1 with agricultural cycles. In historic Rus, the day was known as Fyokla-svekolnitsa, or Fyokla the Beet-lady, because the beet harvest typically reached completion by this date.
According to folk belief, eating at least one dish made with beets on September 1 brings good fortune and success for the coming year. Folk customs also consider it auspicious to construct plans for the future on this day after praying for divine assistance. Conversely, folklore warns that idling or remaining idle on September 1 brings bad luck throughout the year.
Notable Birthdays on September 1
September 1 is also the birthday of prominent figures in international culture, entertainment, and the arts. Russian actor Sergey Garmash turns 68 years old. Named a People's Artist of Russia, Garmash is known for his roles in prominent Russian films such as Voroshilov Sharpshooter, 12, Hipsters, and Cheburashka, accumulating over 130 film and television credits. He has also provided voice acting for animated features including Ratatouille, Space Dogs: Belka and Strelka, and Ivan Tsarevich and the Gray Wolf.
American actress Zendaya celebrates her 30th birthday on September 1. Having risen to fame as a child star on Disney Channel productions, she achieved global prominence through her roles in Spider-Man: Homecoming and the television drama series Euphoria. Her film credits also include The Greatest Showman, Dune, and Challengers.
Other notable figures born on September 1 include South Korean singer Jeon Jungkook, aged 29, a member of the global K-pop group BTS, and twin brothers Bill and Tom Kaulitz, aged 37, of the German rock band Tokio Hotel. Russian actress Darya Moroz turns 43, while Russian musician Sergey Bobunets, former frontman of the rock group Smyslovye Gallyutsinatsii, marks his 53rd birthday.
