Miner's Day is observed in some former Soviet republics, including Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan, every August 31. Established in 1947, the holiday commemorates Alexey Stakhanov, a Soviet miner who famously mined 102 tons of coal in a single shift on August 31, 1935, which was 14 times his quota. This achievement not only made him a celebrity but also sparked the Stakhanovite movement, encouraging workers to exceed production goals. The holiday recognizes the significant contributions of miners to the development of the country's industry. The first celebration took place on August 29, 1948, and while some former Soviet republics have discontinued the holiday, it continues to be celebrated in those with a well-developed mining industry.