The Day of the Russian Air Fleet is celebrated on August 16.

      Today, August 16, 2026, several significant events are being celebrated in Russia and around the world. From the professional Day of the Air Fleet to unusual and heartfelt holidays — we tell you about the main dates of this day.

      What is celebrated in Russia

      Day of the Air Fleet of Russia

      The main professional holiday of today is the Day of the Air Fleet of Russia. It is celebrated annually on the third Sunday of August, and in 2026 this date fell on August 16. This day unites not only pilots but also flight attendants, dispatchers, engineers, technicians, and all workers in the aviation infrastructure. The history of the holiday dates back to Soviet times. Initially, Aviation Day was celebrated on August 2 — on the day of the prophet Elijah, who was revered as the patron of aeronautics. The date was changed several times, and since 1972 the holiday has been fixed on the third Sunday of August. In modern Russia, the tradition has been preserved by a resolution of the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the Russian Federation dated September 28, 1992. In honor of the holiday, solemn events, awards for aviation workers, exhibitions of aviation technology, and meetings of veteran pilots take place across the country.

      Day of Raspberry Jam

      Another holiday celebrated on August 16 in Russia is the Day of Raspberry Jam. This unofficial but heartfelt holiday was invented in 2015 at the initiative of an online community of cooks to revive an ancient Russian tradition. In Russia, August 16 was called Raspberry Day — peasants would go to the forest for the last harvest of sweet berries, bake pies with raspberries, and thank nature. This berry was associated with all the most pleasant things for the Slavs — hence the saying: "Not life, but raspberry!" Raspberries were valued not only for their taste but also for their beneficial properties: they contain copper, salicylic acid, vitamins A, E, PP, and B2. On this day, it is customary to make fragrant raspberry jam, treat loved ones with it, and remember summer traditions.

      What is celebrated in the world

      Elvis Presley Memorial Day

      On August 16, 1977, the world said goodbye to the king of rock and roll, Elvis Presley. He passed away at the age of 42 at his estate Graceland in Memphis. Every year on this day, thousands of fans gather in Memphis for a week of remembrance for the artist. Elvis Presley forever changed the history of music: he combined blues and country, gifted the world the rockabilly style, and turned rock and roll into a global phenomenon. He has hundreds of hits, 33 films, three Grammy Awards, and a place in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. His 1973 television concert attracted around a billion viewers. An interesting fact: in school, Elvis received a C in music and never mastered musical notation in his life. He was not a natural brunette — nature endowed him with light brown hair, but he dyed it so that his blue eyes would look more striking on color screens.

      World Helicopter Day

      August 16 is also celebrated as World Helicopter Day. The holiday was established in 2015 by Australian aviation enthusiast Mick Cullen, and his idea quickly gained support from aviators around the world. The date unites pilots, designers, engineers, and rescuers whose lives are connected with rotary-wing machines.

      Joker Day

      On August 16, the world celebrates Joker Day — a popular character from comics and films. This character first appeared in the pages of the "Batman" comic in the 1940s. On this day, it is customary to watch Batman movies, dress up in Joker costumes, and reread comics about him.

      Other international holidays

      The Day of "True Love Forever" — a young romantic holiday first celebrated in 2019. The Day of Creating Wonders with Your Own Hands — a holiday dedicated to everything created with soul. World Moroccan Cuisine Day — a gastronomic holiday. International Day of "Wave to the Surveillance Camera." Day of Telling Jokes.

      What is celebrated in Tatarstan

      Dragon Boat Racing in Kazan

      On Sunday, August 16, 2026, traditional Chinese dragon boat races will take place on Lake Nizhny Kaban in Kazan. The event will be part of the cultural program of the IV International Forum "GROWTH: Russia and China – mutually beneficial cooperation." The water competitions will unite Chinese and Tatar traditions.

      Sports competitions in Nizhnekamsk

      On August 16 at 10:00, the "Uram-Tour" skateboarding, scooter, and BMX competitions will take place at the "Aida" extreme park in Nizhnekamsk. Extreme sports enthusiasts can expect a rich program. Also, as part of the "Summer in Tatarstan" project, residents and guests of the republic can look forward to holidays, family events, concerts, and excursions.

      Church holidays and name days

      August 16, 2026 — the eleventh week after Pentecost, the third day of the Assumption fast. The Orthodox Church honors the memory of: the venerable Anthony of Rome, the miracle worker of Novgorod (died in 1147); the venerable Isaac, Dalmatian, and Faustus — abbots of the Dalmatian Monastery (IV–V centuries); the holy martyr Vyacheslav Lukanin, deacon (shot in 1918). According to the new church calendar, the transfer of the Uncreated Image of the Lord and the memory of the holy martyr Diomedes are also honored. Name days today are celebrated by: Anton, Isaac, Nikolai, Vyacheslav, Ivan, Kuzma.

      Folk signs and traditions

      In Russia, August 16 was called Anton Vikhrovey or Raspberry Day. On this day, peasants completed the harvest of late raspberries and closely watched the wind. If the wind blows from the north or is cold — autumn will be early. The nature of the wind on this day will determine the upcoming winter (especially October). Peasants tried not to take out the trash from the house to avoid sweeping away prosperity.

      What can and cannot be done on August 16: it is allowed to make raspberry jam and treat loved ones, congratulate aviation workers on their professional holiday, watch films featuring Elvis Presley or about the Joker, and attend festive events. It is not recommended to take out the trash from the house (according to folk beliefs — this leads to loss of prosperity) and to quarrel.