Russian Post Day does not have a fixed date – it is celebrated on the second Sunday in July. In 2025, it falls on July 13. The tradition continues from year to year.

Even in ancient times, people invented ways to transmit important information over long distances: they raised smoke signals and beat drums. Throughout history, new forms of communication have emerged, from pigeon post to couriers who risked their lives to deliver news. But a really organised system appeared in Russia with the decree of Peter I, when the first official postal route was established between Moscow and Arkhangelsk. This route included a whole network of post stations and clearly defined responsibilities for those who ensured delivery.

In the 18^th century, under Catherine II, a structure responsible for the development of the postal service was created. The first uniform tariffs appeared, along with the possibility of sending money and even home delivery of letters. In the 19^th century, post boxes began to be installed in shops, and letters travelled by train and steamboat. Russia was one of the founders of the Universal Postal Union, and in the 20^th century, aviation became involved. During the Great Patriotic War, field mail became an indispensable link between the front and loved ones – it was then that the legendary triangle letters appeared.

After the war, the postal service developed rapidly: services expanded, new technologies were introduced, and unified operators appeared. Today, postal services are not limited to letters and parcels, but also include payments, money transfers, subscriptions to periodicals, communication services. In 1994, the work of postal workers was officially recognised when then-President Boris Yeltsin issued a decree establishing Russian Post Day. The meaning of the holiday is gratitude. People that sort tons of letters every day, endure queues, bad weather and heavy workloads, receive their well-deserved applause. This holiday is about reliability and patience, about the invisible but strong bond between people.

On an official level, this day is usually marked by employee awards ceremonies, where certificates, medals and letters of appreciation are presented. The best postmen become heroes in the news, and their stories serve as examples of professional heroism.

Many cities organise exhibitions and tours dedicated to the history of postal services. Some places display old horse-drawn carriages, while others show old letter boxes and the first telegraphs.

The museum Collection section "Russian Metal Artworks" features items directly related to the "postal theme".

A themed album dedicated to Russian Post Day, compiled from images of items stored in the museum exposition, is posted in the museum Photo Gallery.

On the cover: Desktop calendar in the form of a postal envelope. Nikolai Linden’ firm Russian Empire, St. Petersburg. 1908-1917