Siberian Day 8 November 2026: history, traditions and how a holiday is associated with Yermak
Today in Siberian cities - from Tyumen to Krasnoyarsk - celebrate an unofficial, but historically important holiday: Day of Siberia
Where did the date come from
On November 8 (October 26, old style), 1582, the Cossacks under the leadership of Ataman Yermak entered the capital of the Siberian Khanate - the city of Isker (Kashlyk). This event is considered to be the beginning of the accession of huge territories beyond the Urals to the Russian state. Yermak’s campaign began a year earlier and took place in the most difficult conditions: the movement went along the rivers, the detachment fought off the attacks of Khan Kuchum’s troops and suffered losses. Nevertheless, this step marked the beginning of the formation of the modern image of Russia.
How the holiday came and went
The official status of the Day of Siberia was received in 1881: Emperor Alexander III addressed the inhabitants of the region, emphasizing its importance for the country. The occasion was the 300th anniversary of the annexation of Siberia, and the holiday, sometimes called Thanksgiving Day of Siberia, was widely celebrated: the cities held processions and prayers, then began fairs and festivities. Until the end of 1919, meetings of intellectuals and scientific organizations were also held on this day, where they discussed pressing problems of the region.
The tradition broke down after the Civil War. In the Soviet years, November 7 eclipsed the pre-revolutionary holiday - the country celebrated the anniversary of the October Revolution. The revival of the Day of Siberia began only at the turn of the XXI century, largely through the efforts of local historians and social activists.
What's happening today
Now, November 8 is celebrated in the Tyumen, Irkutsk, Novosibirsk, Omsk, Tomsk regions, as well as in the Krasnoyarsk Territory - in particular in Minusinsk and Yeniseisk. Festivals, concerts, exhibitions and sports events are held in a number of regions. Periodically, bills are introduced to the State Duma to give the Day of Siberia an all-Russian status, but so far the holiday remains mainly regional.
For the Krasnoyarsk Territory, this date has a special significance: the accession of Siberia opened the way to the founding of Yeniseysk and Krasnoyarsk, and the territory itself became a key source of resources and one of the symbols of the country's strength.
