Russia observes 8 official public holidays, many clustered in the extended New Year break from January 1st through 8th. Victory Day on May 9th is the most emotionally significant holiday, honouring the Soviet victory in World War II. Orthodox Christmas on January 7th, Russia Day on June 12th, and Unity Day on November 4th round out the calendar. Women's Day and Defender of the Fatherland Day celebrate gender-specific traditions inherited from the Soviet era.