Located on the western coast of

Culture

Main article: Russian culture
The Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow, at night
Russian writers and philosophers have played an important role in the development of European literature and thought.^[513][514] The Russians have also greatly influenced classical music,^[515] ballet,^[516] sport,^[517] painting,^[518] and cinema.^[519] The nation has also made pioneering contributions to science and technology and space exploration.^[520][521]
Russia is home to 30 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 19 out of which are cultural; while 27 more sites lie on the tentative list.^[522] The large global Russian diaspora has also played a major role in spreading Russian culture throughout the world. Russia's national symbol, the double-headed eagle, dates back to the Tsardom period, and is featured in its coat of arms and heraldry.^[68] The Russian Bear and Mother Russia are often used as national personifications of the country.^[523][524] Matryoshka dolls are considered a cultural icon of Russia.^[525]

Holidays

Main article: Public holidays in Russia
The Scarlet Sails being celebrated along the Neva in Saint Petersburg
Russia has eight—public, patriotic, and religious—official holidays.^[526] The year starts with New Year's Day on 1 January, soon followed by Russian Orthodox Christmas on 7 January; the two are the country's most popular holidays.^[527] Defender of the Fatherland Day, dedicated to men, is celebrated on 23 February.^[528] International Women's Day on 8 March, gained momentum in Russia during the Soviet era. The annual celebration of women has become so popular, especially among Russian men, that Moscow's flower vendors often see profits of "15 times" more than other holidays.^[529] Spring and Labour Day, originally a Soviet era holiday dedicated to workers, is celebrated on 1 May.^[530]
Victory Day, which honours Soviet victory over Nazi Germany and the End of World War II in Europe, is celebrated on 9 May as an annual large parade in Moscow's Red Square;^[531] and marks the famous Immortal Regiment civil event.^[532] Other patriotic holidays include Russia Day on 12 June, celebrated to commemorate Russia's declaration of sovereignty from the collapsing Soviet Union;^[533] and Unity Day on 4 November, commemorating the 1612 uprising which marked the end of the Polish occupation of Moscow.^[534]
There are many popular non-public holidays. Old New Year is celebrated on 14 January.^[535] Maslenitsa is an ancient and popular East Slavic folk holiday.^[536] Cosmonautics Day on 12 April, in tribute to the first human trip into space.^[537] Two major Christian holidays are Easter and Trinity Sunday.^[538]