Will there be additional days off in honor of International Women's Day in 2026, where to celebrate the holiday in Moscow, where to rush for a bouquet and the most amazing gifts for the wonderful ladies - we will tell you in the festive guide on KUDAGO! Why do we celebrate March 8 Even the smallest children know that on March 8, we must congratulate mothers, grandmothers, sisters, and other women: say nice words, give flowers and gifts, invite them to a restaurant. This is the modern understanding of the holiday, but in fact, its meaning goes deep into history. The holiday of March 8 is primarily associated with a girl named Clara Zetkin. Back in 1910, she began the fight for women's rights. Women fought for the right to receive education, vote in elections, and be elected to government bodies, as well as to receive fair pay for their work - on par with men. The process began with several demonstrations and rallies in a number of European countries and then spread throughout the world. Today, this meaning of the holiday is almost lost, and it is remembered only in feminist communities. In Russia and the CIS countries, March 8 is more of a celebration of spring and female beauty. How we rest on March 8, 2026 Public holidays in Russia are traditionally accompanied by long weekends. In 2026, March 8 falls on a Sunday, but we will also have a day off on March 9. On the eve of the holiday, don't forget to congratulate your colleagues: you can organize a small buffet, give flowers to the women, and say a few nice words. Photo: shine.graphics / Shutterstock / FOTODOM How to celebrate March 8 in Moscow Every day in the capital, a huge number of interesting events take place, but in honor of the holiday, their number reaches a record. Parks promise outdoor entertainment, restaurants are developing special menus and preparing romantic programs with live music, theater posters entice to soulful performances, and galleries and museums open themed exhibitions. And don't forget to buy tickets for concerts and reserve tables at restaurants.