The “Day of Siberia”: History and Modernity

The article is devoted to the history of the origin and modern forms of the celebration of the “Day of Siberia”, which was first celebrated in the Russian Empire in 1881. This holiday was established in honor of the 300th anniversary of the accession of Siberia to the Russian state. The regionalists (representatives of the socio-political movement of the Siberian intelligentsia of the mid-19th to early 20th centuries) played a significant role in the formation of the holiday. They developed the concept of Siberia as a special territory, advocated the independence of the region as part of the Russian Empire. This research based on archival and museum sources, scientific publications, materials of ethnographic expeditions and ethno-sociological surveys (conducted both among Siberians and among residents of other regions of Russia, as well as Bulgaria, Germany, Kazakhstan, Poland, Baltic States, Serbia, Ukraine, France), Internet forums, the author’s direct participation in the described events of the late 20th-early 21st centuries. The author gives various points of view on the status, name, date and content of the holiday “Day of Siberia”, lists the main organizers and ongoing events, notes that among foreign experts there are more often positive opinions about Siberia and Siberians, compared to Russia and Russians in general. The regional traditions of the revival of this holiday currently distinguished by significant diversity are gaining more popularity, contribute to the growth of the local Siberian patriotism and the dissemination of knowledge about Siberia and Siberians. The celebration of the “Day of Siberia” promotes the unification of all peoples living in this territory, the preservation of their historical and cultural heritage, the formation of a positive image of the Siberian region.