Russian Press Day is observed in the Russian Federation every January 13, celebrating the contributions of all those involved in printed media. This professional holiday marks the anniversary of the first Russian newspaper, Vedomosti, which was published on January 13, 1728, under the reign of Peter the Great, who viewed newspapers as vital for reforming and consolidating the power of the Russian Empire. The day was originally established in the Soviet Union, celebrated on May 5 to commemorate the first issue of Pravda, the Communist Party's primary newspaper, published in 1912. In 1991, the observance was shifted to January 13, and since 1997, it has also coincided with the Presidential Award in media and grants for young journalists' projects. The holiday recognizes the importance of journalism and printed matter in Russian society.