Happy Cosmonautics Day / С День космонавтики!

Today is the anniversary of Yuri Gagarin's historic flight & celebrated as Cosmonautics Day! Let's talk about it for this edition of #SovietSpaceSundays!

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#OTD 59 years ago, Yuri Gagarin became the 1st person in space & the 1st person to orbit the Earth.

Starting the following year in 1962 until today, the Soviet—& now Russia & many of the countries that used to be part of the USSR—celebrate Cosmonautics Day.

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I thought it was too good (and coincidental) an opportunity to not talk about Cosmonautics Day for #SovietSpaceSundays!

So, as Yuri Gagarin said when his rocket ignited: "Poekhali!" (Let's go!)

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The most elaborate ritual for Cosmonautics Day is in Russia, where a procession starts in Korolyov & goes to Red Square in Moscow to visit Gagarin's grave in the Kremlin Wall & ends in parades and celebration.

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Cosmonautics Day is not just about visiting grave sites and it is definitely not a somber affair!

Many people dress themselves (and their pets!) up and the atmosphere can be quite jovial and fun!

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And celebrations don't only take place on Earth!

Earlier today Russian cosmonauts Oleg Skripochka, Anatoly Ivanishin, and Ivan Wagner wished the world a Happy Cosmonautics Day from the @Space_Station!

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After the day’s celebrations, there are official galas for cosmonauts, technicians, & other space professionals to celebrate their accomplishments.

This photo is from one of those galas in 2011. Pictured is Alexei Leonov & Yuri Gagarin’s widow Valentina Gagarina.

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In 2001, @YurisNight was established to celebrate global space milestones, rather than just missions conducted by the USSR/Russia.

It too is celebrated on April 12 every year. Many of this year's events were canceled, but there was a global webcast last night to celebrate.

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Hopefully next year we will be able to celebrate Cosmonautics Day in person again.

Hell, hopefully I will be able to be in Moscow in October to celebrate this year's postponed celebrations.

Until then...let's stay safe & healthy & stay home!

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