Every year since ancient Slavic times, Russians have celebrated the farewell to the Russian winter - Maslenitsa. This is a cheerful holiday loved by everyone, young and old, celebrated the whole week before Lent. The main traditional dishes for Maslenitsa are pancakes. Since pagan times, round hot pancakes have personified the spring sun, which, with the farewell of Winter, begins to shine brighter and warmer every day. Housewives bake all sorts of pancakes for Maslenitsa, with caviar, butter, meat, mushrooms, sweet, salty, sour, for every taste and color. Another important attribute of the holiday is, of course, the stuffed spring maiden, the Maslenitsa doll. It is believed that by setting fire to the Maslenitsa effigy, people call for spring and warmth. The blue smoke from a burning doll carries winter high into the sky, all troubles and diseases, problems, cleansing the earth of various misfortunes. Cheerful fun accompanied the oil week at all times, fist fights, troika rides, merry round dances, unbridled festivities until the morning. Even centuries later, after the adoption of Christianity in Rus', the cheerful pancake week survived all the persecution of pagan holidays, and is celebrated with pleasure to this day. As soon as it was not banned, kings, priests and even the Soviet government created obstacles for unbridled street festivities, however, Maslenitsa survived, no matter what. Each city has its own celebration traditions, its own rules for festivities. Somewhere, burning wheels are rolling down the mountain, representing the sun, somewhere, dashing troikas are organizing races, and somewhere, mothers-in-law are waiting for their sons-in-law for pancakes. They organize famous sleigh rides, sister-in-law get-togethers, fortune-telling, funny games, practical jokes, round dances, songs, and dances. Today there are not many cheerful folk holidays left, perhaps that is why Broad Maslenitsa finds a wide response in the hearts of people, the whole people.

Prompt response to a criminal act is a guarantee that the violator of the law will be caught and punished according to the principles of the law. But representatives of law enforcement agencies are not always able to arrive at the scene of an incident in a timely manner. In this case, employees of security organizations come to the rescue. In 1992, a legislative act on individual security and detective activities came into force in the Russian Federation. This event occurred on March 11th. A professional holiday was established in his honor - the Day of Workers of Private Security Agencies. The holiday is also called Security Guard Day or Bodyguard Day. It is noteworthy that only a few years ago, namely in 2009, a new column was added to the labor register of professions in our country - “security guard”. Although, already at that time there were 27.5 thousand individual security companies (PSC) and almost 720 thousand security guards with official licenses operating in the country. According to information for 2011, private security organizations provided security for almost half a million various objects, and the staff of security agencies consisted of about 641,000 specialists, of whom 183,000 worked using weapons. According to static data, the majority of security guards are former law enforcement officials and retired military personnel. In addition, people who in former times worked in state security structures and other similar organizations often enter this profession. Employees of private detective agencies also consider this professional date to be theirs. This is what in our country they call companies that have a license to conduct detective activities. In accordance with current legislation, a detective has the right to provide a number of diverse services. This includes: - search for debtors; - collection of data on civil and criminal cases (surveillance, filming, surveillance); - market research, collection of information for business meetings, identification of uncreditworthy or unreliable partners; - clarification of biographical data of citizens (with their direct consent) during registration them labor and other contracts; - search for missing people or lost valuables. Bodyguards also join the celebrations. Despite the fact that this position has no official status, it has existed in Russia for many years. Today, approximately 8,000 bodyguards are registered in the Russian Federation and carry out their activities on a regular basis. The main task of a security guard is to ensure the protection of the lives of personnel and property of the entrusted facility. Therefore, he must have the appropriate physical training and knowledge necessary for protection. Strength, endurance, excellent reaction are integral qualities. In addition, an experienced specialist is fluent in weapons and knows in what situations they can and should be used. On March 11, no mass events dedicated to the holiday will be organized. But some companies working in this area congratulate their employees on their professional anniversary, encouraging the best employees with awards, bonuses and memorable gifts.

World religions differ not only in their canons and views, but also in their unique holidays, which have a special origin and traditions associated with events preceding the appearance of these memorable days. For true Muslims, one of the main holidays is Ramadan (Ramadan), which is not just one day, but an entire lunar month, during which it is customary to observe strict fasting, which brings true blessings and the opportunity for the atonement of sins to true Muslims. It is one of the main pillars on which religion rests and therefore, Muslims are looking forward to this month to show the strength of their faith and love for Allah, through abstinence from pleasures and hard work on themselves - there is a reassessment of values, liberation from filth in thoughts and actions, curbing instincts, bodily and spiritual liberation. Ramadan got its name in honor of the ninth month of the lunar calendar; in view of this, the holiday does not have an exact date; every year it shifts relative to the phase of the moon by 10 days. For the same reason, the duration of fasting also varies between 29-30 days. Only the basic rules for performing a strict fast remain unchanged, including: - abstinence from eating and water from sunrise to sunset; - abstinence from bodily pleasures, including intimacy, caresses and self-satisfaction, during which ejaculation occurred; - abstinence from smoking, consumption of alcohol and drugs; - abstaining from entertainment; - abstaining from lies, foul language, bad thoughts; - one must not skip pronouncing niyat - intentions for the upcoming day of fasting. During fasting, the following is encouraged: - pronouncing the intention of the fasting person; - reading the Koran; - eating after sunset - iftar, and before dawn - suhur; - performing namaz, prayers, to which is added tarawih - voluntary prayer held between night and morning;- charity: voluntary alms - sadaqa and obligatory - zakat; - repentance. The following categories of Muslims are exceptions to fasting, who must not demonstrate their freedom from abstinence: - children who have not reached puberty (for boys it coincides with the first wet dream, for girls - with the first menstruation, but no later than 15 years); pregnant and lactating women, as well as women during menstruation and the postpartum period; - elderly and seriously ill people who are unable to fast (diabetics, mentally ill, people with gastrointestinal diseases and terminally ill patients); - travelers on the road or who have left home for distance more than 90 km. Also, all devout Muslims who miss fasting for any reason must fast at another time, until the next month of Ramadan. And if the rules were violated, then this day is not counted and must be postponed to another time, or a fine must be paid, equivalent to spending on food for one day (to feed one poor person). The heaviest punishment for sexual intercourse during the daytime is continuous fasting for 60 days, or providing food to 60 needy people. The last 10 days of the month of Ramadan are the most strict - the time for diligent worship, solitude in mosques and benefactors, because it was during these days that the Prophet Muhammad discovered his destiny and the Koran was revealed.

Commonwealth Day is celebrated on the second Monday of March in countries that were formerly part of the British Empire. Every year in March, authorized delegates from 52 countries gather to develop a strategy for shaping public opinion on global issues, discuss critical topics in international cooperation, listen to reports on the past year's work, and select a program and main theme for the next year. According to tradition, the meetings take place in Westminster Abbey in London and begin with a multi-faith service, after which the head of the Commonwealth, Queen Elizabeth II of England, addresses the nations, and her speech is broadcast on television in partner countries. Since the 19th century, Britain and its colonies have celebrated Empire Day, coinciding with Queen Victoria's birthday. As the struggle for independence from Great Britain began, in the late 1950s, British Prime Minister Harold Macmillan announced that Empire Day would be changed to Commonwealth Day. It was decided to create a union of states, which included Great Britain and the countries of its former colonies. In the 20th century, many states gained freedom, but their new leaders decided to join the Commonwealth. To solve important issues in the future, community members rely on youth. On this day, mini-games are played to simulate a Commonwealth meeting, with schoolchildren and students playing the roles of various leaders. They discuss the same issues as the participants in a large meeting - research in the field of science, geography and medicine, environmental problems, helping those in need, etc. In some large cities, thematic exhibitions and concerts are held on this day dedicated to the cultural and artistic diversity of the community . Today, all members of the organization, regardless of social system, size, wealth, race or religion, are located throughout the globe and have equal voting rights. Membership is completely voluntary, and each member has the right to withdraw from the association at any time. For all this time, only two countries have left its membership - Ireland in 1949 and Zimbabwe in 2003. Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa are the oldest members of the Commonwealth - they joined in 1931. Canada is the largest member of the organization, its territory is almost 10 million sq. km. India is the most populous country in the union, with a population of more than 1 billion, while Nauru is the smallest, with a population of 13,000.

With the development of modern society, scientific and technical discoveries, an increasing number of interesting and significant professions are appearing. Unfortunately, progress leads not only to positive results, but also to negative consequences. This includes the production of synthetic drugs and psychotropic drugs and their rapid distribution throughout the cities of our country. Drugs are a serious threat to society, claiming the lives of young people every day. A service to control the circulation of prohibited substances was created in Russia specifically to combat them. Every year on March 11, employees of this organization celebrate their professional holiday, called Drug Control Officer Day. This date was established by decision of the President of the country several years ago, namely in 2008. On this occasion, FSKN employees deservedly accept congratulations and words of gratitude from ordinary people, whose lives and health they protect every day, preventing the supply of narcotic drugs to the territory of the Russian Federation and bringing dealers and organizers of deadly business to justice. Federal Drug Control Service Day is a mass holiday. Representatives of not only the main department, but also its territorial offices operating in each region of the country take part in it. Any employee, regardless of rank and position, makes an undeniable contribution to the fight against evil. Recent years have been able to confirm the timeliness and importance of opening a special authorized service. Over the past few years, over 400,000 criminal acts have been identified in our state, the illegal business of about 3,000 criminal groups has been suspended, hundreds of thousands of drug dens have been liquidated, and many police operations have been organized and successfully carried out. More than two hundred tons of drugs and psychotropic drugs, including heroin, methadone, marijuana and hashish, almost 3 billion single doses of prohibited substances did not reach potential buyers thanks to the timely intervention of law enforcement agencies. Criminal cases were opened against more than 120,000 people who took part in organizing the sale of the deadly potion. On March 11, on their professional holiday, all employees of the drug control services receive sincere congratulations from their superiors and colleagues, and the most distinguished employees of the department are presented with certificates of honor, awards, prizes and memorable gifts.

History knows many cases of both happy and tragic love between real people and fictional literary characters. “There is no sadder story in the world than the story of Romeo and Juliet”... These words end the famous tragedy of W. Shakespeare. The irreconcilable enmity of the two clans of Italian Verona led to a tragedy - the death of young representatives of the Montague and Capulet families. The relationship between two lovers, even after centuries, excites the minds and excites the hearts of fans of the talent of the English playwright. Therefore, Romeo and Juliet Day is celebrated annually on March 11th. The date of the holiday was not chosen by chance. According to the plot of William Shakespeare's play, the young people got engaged on March 11, 1302. But their relationship was not destined to reach a happy ending. Juliet's parents decide to marry her to the young, handsome and noble Prince Paris. Before meeting Romeo, the girl obediently agrees with the will of her father and mother. Prince Paris is considered a good match. But meeting Romeo and the flaring up of feelings makes Juliet begin to resist the wishes of her parents, filling her with determination and courage. Surrounded by young people, people who sympathize with the situation appear - the girl's nurse and Lorenzo, her lover's brother. He knows a way to avoid an unwanted marriage: he needs to drink a certain potion on the eve of the wedding that will put Juliet to sleep for 42 hours. During this time, her family will bury her in the family crypt, and when she wakes up, she will be able to meet with Romeo and hide until better times come. According to the plot of the tragedy, Juliet drinks the liquid from the bottle that Lorenzo gave her and falls asleep in the crypt. Romeo, seeing her there, decides that his beloved has died. The monk sent by his brother does not have time to warn the young man that Juliet’s death is a fiction. Romeo does not want to live without her and shouts “I drink to you, love!” takes poison in the tomb. The girl awakens, but when she sees Romeo dead, she stabs herself with a dagger out of grief. The tragedy put an end to the feud between the two famous clans of Verona - the death of young people reconciles the Montague and Capulet families. Shakespeare's play about the relationships of young people has forever entered the golden fund of world literature. Tourists from all over the world come to Verona and go to the courtyard of the Capulet house. There, not far from the balcony, there is a bronze statue of Juliet. According to legend, in order to find happiness in love and make feelings mutual, you need to touch the right breast of Shakespeare's heroine. Fans of the famous love story cannot come to terms with the tragic ending of the play. They are not consoled by invented rituals. Every year on March 11, fans, in the illusory hope of a good ending, celebrate the engagement day of Romeo and Juliet.

On March 11 in Russia, starting in 2012, they celebrate the Day of National Feat for the formation of the Ural Volunteer Tank Corps during the Great Patriotic War, which has acquired special significance. The holiday acquired its status by order of the governor of the Sverdlovsk region. The military holiday celebrated on March 11 allows us to remember the truly laborious and heroic work of our ancestors. On this day, events and meetings with veterans are held in cities. Yekaterinburg is different in that on this day the memory of soldiers in the Urals is honored. Veterans of the Great Patriotic War come to the memorial located on Station Square, as do representatives of government agencies and organizations. The long name of the military holiday on March 11 emphasizes the feat of the Division, not only militarily, but also in labor. In addition to the fighters, they remember the workers of the Urals who exceeded the plan, working day and night and contributing to victory. As for the tank corps, the best fighters of the Urals served here, whose courage made the Ural Volunteer Tank Corps truly legendary. They reached Prague and Berlin, eventually winning a lot of awards. The appearance of the above tank corps occurred on March 11, 1943. In subsequent years, numerous name changes took place. The abbreviated first name sounded like UDTK - Ural Volunteer Tank Corps, which existed throughout the war. At the end of the war, it began to bear the name of the 10th Guards Ural-Lvov Tank Division. The production of famous tanks under the T-34 brand, in other words, the legendary “thirty-fours” from 1942 to 1945, was carried out at factories in the Urals and Siberia. The most important among them was the Ural Tank Plant. The Military History Museum of Yekaterinburg contains an entire department dedicated to the military history of the Urals. Particularly proud is the exhibition in the form of a unique unit - the Ural Volunteer Tank Corps. UDTK gave rise to many exciting legends during wartime. One of them had a real basis. The tank crews were armed with unusual weapons called “black knives” with a black wooden handle, manufactured at the Zlatoust plant. The circulation was only 3356 pieces. Thus, according to the Germans, the “black knife division” was born with “Ural devils” in the form of fighters. UGTC had an anthem in the form of the “Hymn of the Black Knives.” The Volunteer Tank Corps is a unique gift to the front from the working people, which exceeded production plans, from buttons to T-34 tanks. As a result, the state did not spend a penny to form the division.

The World Plumbing Council (WPC) has more than 200 members from over 30 countries. This organization is the initiator of the annual events on March 11 dedicated to the importance of economical water consumption and maintaining water supply, heating and sewage systems in excellent condition. It is difficult to imagine the life of a modern person without hydraulic structures, underground and above-ground pipelines. Designers, engineers, plumbers and other specialists working in this field are responsible for their smooth functioning. On March 11, professionals and their colleagues from related industries celebrate World Plumbing Day. The international holiday World Plumbing Day is intended to remind people of a careful attitude towards natural resources. Water is the most important of them. The 2.2 billion people living on the planet do not have constant access to life-giving moisture for drinking and hygiene procedures. Therefore, you should always keep in mind that a dripping faucet is a reason to call a plumber, and not only remember it on World Plumbing Day. Structures in the form of clay pipes for collecting rainwater and draining runoff were used in Ancient Mesopotamia. In Egypt in 2000 BC. there was a pipeline made of clay and wood that supplied water to the palaces of the pharaohs. The aqueducts of Ancient Rome, using the difference in height between the water source and the point of consumption, are well preserved and have survived to this day. The oldest water supply system is considered to be in Pakistan, which scientists believe was built 4,000 years ago. The Spanish aqueduct from 50 AD still stands. in Segovia and the French Pont du Gard, built several decades earlier. The very first structures of this type were stone, cast iron or brick supports. Between them arches were placed on bases with ditches and pipes for water. They were made from wood, clay and lead. Some aqueducts also served as bridges across rivers. Over time, people learned to build dams, wells and irrigation systems. In Rus', the first water supply system appeared in Veliky Novgorod in the 12th century, in Moscow in the 15th century. Wood, clay, copper and iron were used to make its elements. The first urban water supply system in the Russian capital appeared in 1804. In the 20th century pipes of large diameters began to be produced from reinforced concrete and asbestos cement. Galvanized and stainless steel, ductile iron and copper were also popular. With the development of the chemical industry, polymer compositions replaced traditional materials for making pipes. Constructions made of plastic and polyethylene are inexpensive, easy to install and have high performance characteristics. In modern Russia, the length of underground and external water pipes is 800,000 km. Hydraulic structures and other structures are maintained and maintained by thousands of specialists. The holiday, which is celebrated annually on March 11 - World Plumbing Day, is intended to pay tribute to the work of domestic professionals and foreign colleagues.

The main idea of ​​Disclosure Day is to find hidden facts about people or events and make them public. Yes, someone may be unlucky if the other half finds out about the fact of betrayal on March 11th. For some, it’s the opposite: in honor of Debunking Day, entire quests are held to find piggy banks and hiding places of spouses, in which they hide money from their wife or husband.

According to the folk calendar, Porfiry the Late is celebrated on March 11 (February 26, old style). Part of the name of the holiday is borrowed from the church calendar - the day of veneration of St. Porphyry of Gaza, a bishop who opposed the pagans in the 4th and 5th centuries. Thanks to his wealthy parents, Porfiry received an excellent education. He was drawn to serving the Lord, so he became a monk, and at the age of 25 he was appointed a priest in the church. He gave a considerable inheritance to the poor and to support churches. Having taken the rank of bishop in Gaza, the saint converted many pagans to Christianity, and through prayers he could perform miracles of healing. On Porfiry Late the weather was changeable. If the sun had time to melt the snow on the street, the peasants were in no hurry to go to the fields to cultivate the land. After all, the warmth was temporary, after which frosts could strike, destructive for the seedlings. Residents spent the day doing household chores. Men avoided meeting and communicating with the female sex on the day of Porfiry. They believed that a kikimora could reincarnate in them, make them dizzy and take them away to have fun in the forest. Kikimors knew how to not only take away a man’s strength, but also ruin his life. The return of birds from warmer climes lifted spirits, since their arrival foreshadowed high yields in the fields. If swallows and sparrows began to build nests on the sunlit side of the house, the peasants were preparing for a cool summer. The location in the shade of the nest meant a hot summer season. According to the signs of Porfiry the Late, the coming weather was predicted. Thick fog before lunch was observed to indicate cooling, and after lunch - to warming. If the clouds were flying high, residents expected sunny weather; if a strong wind descended, they prepared for light frosts. The star-strewn sky predicted a dry summer, and falling snow promised plenty of precipitation in the summer.

One of the most important public holidays in Lithuania is the day of restoration of its independence - March 11. In 1990, the Supreme Council adopted the corresponding act, which was called “On the restoration of the State of Lithuania.” Before this, the Lithuanian Perestroika Movement “Sąjūdis” was established, which took place on June 3, 1988. The goal of the movement was to mobilize support for democratic changes and the independence of Lithuania. At the end of February 1990, the first democratic elections to the Supreme Council of the Lithuanian SSR were held and, as a result, Sąjūdis candidates received an overwhelming number of votes - 107 out of a possible 133. The Act “On the Restoration of the State of Lithuania”, which was adopted on March 11, the Act of the Lithuanian Council on Independence, which was adopted on February 16, 1918, as well as the resolution of the Constituent Seimas of May 15, 1920 on the restoration of the democratic State of Lithuania have always had legal force and it is they constitute the constitutional basis of the State of Lithuania. According to the act, Lithuania was declared an independent state and “the constitution of no other state is in force on its territory.” Iceland was the first to recognize the independence of Lithuania, this happened on February 11, 1991, and on July 29, the independence of Lithuania was recognized by Russia, on September 2 by the USA, and on September 6 by the USSR. Before the global crisis began in 2008-2009, the Lithuanian economy did not stand still, but developed rapidly. Economic growth rates were compared with those of some Western countries. In 2009, Vilnius was named the European Capital of Culture, and Lithuania itself celebrated the millennium of its name. On March 11, the country hosts a number of events dedicated to the Day of Restoration of Independence. Usually this is the laying of flowers on Independence Square in Vilnius, at the “Message” monument, as well as a ceremonial raising of flags and a procession with a large flag of Lithuania. Entertainment events take place in parks and squares. The memorial is holding open hours. On Gediminas Square in Vilnius, instead of the usual order of colors, the lights are in the colors of the Lithuanian flag - yellow-green-red. Towards the evening there are concerts and festive events dedicated to this solemn event. Representatives of the authorities and the public congratulate residents on the holiday.

International holidays - World Day of Muslim Culture, Peace, Dialogue and Film

Coronavirus Pandemic Day

Orthodox holidays on March 11:

On March 11, Christians remember Bishop Porfiry of Gaza. In a leap year, the saint's feast day falls on March 10. Porfiry is the bishop (bishop) of Gaza. Basic information about his life path is contained in the writings of Mark, who lived with him as a deacon. Porfiry was born into a noble family in the Greek city of Thessalonica. The boy received a remarkable education for that time. At twenty-five, the future bishop left for Egypt with the goal of becoming a monk. He lived for five years in the Skete desert, where he took monastic vows. He then went to the capital of Israel as a pilgrim. Having fulfilled his sacred duty, Porfiry settled in a cave near the Jordan. The ascetic life left its mark on Porfiry’s health: he became seriously ill. For this reason, he returns to Jerusalem again. However, the illness could not break him. Every day the man, bent over and leaning on a staff, walked around the holy places. Sometimes he completed his rounds on his knees, since he had no strength to walk. The monk Mark, who worked as a calligrapher at that time, became close to Porfiry and even became his attorney in inheritance matters. One day, Mark, returning from a trip on Porfiry’s business, was surprised to find him completely healthy. Porfiry told him that during an attack of fever, Jesus appeared to him and healed him. Having sold everything he had, even clothes and dishes, the man gave everything to the Egyptian and Jerusalem monasteries, and he himself began to work as a tanner. Porfiry's piety did not go unnoticed: he was appointed first a priest and then a bishop of the city of Gaza. There was only one Christian church in this city. But it was filled with idolaters who worshiped the lord of the rains, Marnas, and the goddess of love, Venus. The pagans beat Christians and did not give them the opportunity to hold public positions. Porfiry repeatedly appealed to Emperor Arcadius with a request to destroy pagan temples in Gaza. The positive decision was helped by the fact that Porfiry predicted the birth of a boy to the emperor’s wife. Together with Mark and the troops provided by the governor, the bishop destroyed all the pagan temples. The troops conducted searches in the houses: they confiscated the gold they found and destroyed the idols. On the site of the largest pagan temple, Porfiry erected a church, later named Eudoxieva in honor of Arkady's wife. On the day of remembrance of Porfiry, a service is held praising the pious life of the archbishop.