When Is Teachers' Day in Russia? Date, Traditions and Flowers

Teachers' Day in Russia is celebrated on October 5 every year, whatever day of the week it falls on. It is not a public holiday, so schools stay open, but it is one of the most visible days of the autumn term: pupils arrive with bouquets, classes put on small concerts and teachers go home with armfuls of flowers.

If you live abroad and want to thank a teacher in Russia, whether it is your child's class teacher, a tutor who helped a niece through her exams or your own favourite teacher from school, the date matters more than you might think. Flowers that arrive on October 4 or 6 are still kind, but on the morning of the 5th they become part of the celebration. Below I explain where the date comes from, how the day is marked, what to give and how to time a delivery so it lands when it should.

Why October 5: a short history of the date

For decades the Soviet Union marked Teachers' Day on the first Sunday of October. That meant the date moved every year and, because it fell on a Sunday, pupils often celebrated on the Saturday or the following Monday instead. Many older Russians still remember it as a floating autumn holiday.

In 1994 Russia fixed the date at October 5, aligning it with World Teachers' Day, which UNESCO and the International Labour Organization mark on the same day. Since then the celebration has been tied to the calendar rather than the weekday. When October 5 is a Saturday or Sunday, schools usually hold their concerts and greetings on the nearest weekday, so check with the family which day the class is actually celebrating.

It is worth knowing that Russia has a second teaching-related date, September 1, the Day of Knowledge, when the school year begins. Both are flower days. September 1 is about the start of the year and the first-graders; October 5 is about the teachers themselves, which is why the gifts tend to be more personal.

How schools and pupils celebrate

The day usually starts with pupils bringing flowers to their class teacher before lessons. In many schools senior pupils take over for a few hours: they teach younger classes, run the morning assembly and prepare a short concert with songs, poems and sketches. Teachers often receive handmade cards and posters from the younger children.

Parents frequently organise a joint gift from the whole class, and a single large bouquet from the parents' committee is common. Individual pupils then bring something smaller, a few stems or a compact bouquet, so the teacher is not overwhelmed. University students mark the day too, though more quietly, often with flowers for their supervisor or a favourite lecturer.

Retired teachers are not forgotten. Former pupils, now adults, often call or send flowers to the teacher who shaped them. If you are abroad, this is exactly the kind of gesture that a delivered bouquet makes possible: a teacher who taught you twenty years ago will remember a bouquet on October 5 for a long time.

Bouquets we can deliver

Bouquet of 1 yellow sunflowers

$12

Bouquet of 3 red gerberas

$20

Bouquet of 3 white matthiola

$22

Bouquet of 3 pink matthiola

$22

Which flowers suit Teachers' Day

Autumn flowers are the classic choice: chrysanthemums, asters, gerberas and alstroemeria, often in warm colours like orange, yellow, burgundy and cream. Roses are always appropriate, especially in soft or warm shades. A teacher receives many bouquets on one day, so practical ones are valued: flowers that last well in water and arrangements that are easy to carry home.

Chrysanthemums are a particularly good choice because they can last two weeks or more in a vase with fresh water and a trim every couple of days. Alstroemeria lasts almost as long. Lilies are beautiful but have a strong scent and pollen that stains, so they are better avoided in a classroom. A neat bouquet in a box or basket is convenient, since the teacher does not need to find a vase between lessons.

Russian etiquette has one rule worth remembering: in a bouquet with only a few stems, give an odd number. Even numbers are associated with funerals. Once you go beyond about a dozen stems the rule matters less, but with small bouquets it is best to stick to 3, 5 or 7. You can browse suitable bouquets in our Bouquets catalogue.

Gifts that go with the bouquet

Russian teachers are, in many schools, not allowed to accept expensive gifts, and most would feel awkward if you tried. Flowers are the one gift that is always welcome and never questioned. If you want to add something, keep it modest: a box of good chocolates, tea, a book, or a small item for the classroom.

The card often matters more than the gift. A teacher reads dozens of standard greetings on October 5, so a few specific lines stand out: what the child enjoys about the lessons, a moment from the year, or, from a former pupil, what the teacher taught you that you still use. Write in Russian if you can; if not, a warm message in simple English is still appreciated, and we print your text on a free card.

How to send flowers to a teacher in Russia from abroad

We deliver flowers across Russia. City delivery costs 500 RUB; for remote districts and suburbs the operator confirms the price when confirming the order. You pay online on the site by bank card, SBP or Yandex Pay. Full details are on our Delivery and payment page.

Timing is the key decision. Teachers are in class from early morning, so a delivery to school is best timed for the 09-12 window on October 5, or agreed for a specific break when the teacher can come to the entrance. If you want flowers at the teacher's home instead, the 15-18 or 18-21 window usually works. You can choose an exact time (+/-30 minutes), one of the time windows, or pre-order 1-30 days ahead. Pre-ordering is wise for this date, because October 5 is busy for florists across the country.

The courier calls the recipient about 15 minutes before arrival. Schools often have security at the door, so give the teacher's mobile number and, ideally, warn the teacher or the class parents that flowers are coming. If the teacher is unavailable, we agree a second delivery the same day or hand the flowers to someone else with your consent. Delivery is anonymous by default, so if you want the teacher to know who sent the bouquet, sign the card.

To agree the time, the school address, the card text or to get a photo of the bouquet before it goes out, message our manager on WhatsApp. For more ideas, see our guide to Teacher's Day in Russia, October 5: flowers and gift ideas.