“On October 26, 1581, Ermak, having said a prayer service, solemnly entered Isker or the city of Siberia…”
Siberian Day is a holiday established in 1881 in honor of the 300th anniversary of the annexation of Siberia to the Russian state.
The starting date was taken as the day the Cossacks entered the capital of the Siberian Khanate Kashlyk – October 26 (November 8 according to the new style) 1581 (according to other sources 1582).
This holiday, celebrated after the Intercession, was widely celebrated by all segments of the population. The celebrants glorified Siberia – the nurse and mother of the Russian land.
In peaceful years, folk festivals, fairs, balls, charity concerts and performances were held on this day. Patrons, among whom were many natives of Siberia, provided assistance to educational institutions. The opening of new hospitals, schools, libraries and even universities was timed to coincide with Siberia Day.
During the war (World War I), Siberians held a large gathering on this day in favor of wounded soldiers and all those affected by the war. They helped as much as they could.
The poster for Siberian Day 1915 was drawn by the artist Apollinary Vasnetsov.
According to the new style, Siberian Day is celebrated on November 8
During the years of Soviet power, the celebration of Siberia Day was not held – it was eclipsed by the celebration of the anniversary of the Great October Revolution. But echoes of the Siberian folk holiday were heard in the autumn celebrations dedicated to the end of the harvest and the gifts of the forest. Nowadays, the holiday has been revived, but more like a local, Siberian one. According to the new style, Siberia Day is celebrated on November 8.
Source: rodina-history.ru
