The Day of Friendship and Unity of the Slavs is observed annually on June 25, primarily in Russia and Belarus, although it also resonates with Slavic communities worldwide. This holiday originated in the 1990s following the collapse of the Soviet Union and Yugoslavia, highlighting the need for friendly relations among newly independent Slavic states. The celebration aims to remind Slavic peoples of their shared history and culture while encouraging the preservation of their longstanding ties. Approximately 300 to 350 million Slavs inhabit Eastern and Central Europe, as well as parts of Eastern Asia, with significant diasporas in Western Europe, Transcaucasia, Central Asia, and the Americas. The holiday emphasizes the unity among Slavic nations, which include Russia, Ukraine, Poland, and several others.