October 19 — All-Russian Lyceum Student's Day: history, traditions and congratulations

Every year on October 19, Russia celebrates the All—Russian Lyceum Student's Day, a holiday for all students and graduates of lyceums. In 2025, the celebration falls on a Sunday. Memorable meetings, festive events and creative evenings are held on this day. Izvestia tells about the history, traditions and congratulations on the All-Russian Lyceum Day.

All-Russian Lyceum Student's Day in 2025 — the history of the holiday

The celebration is timed to coincide with the opening of Russia's first educational institution of this type, the Tsarskoye Selo Lyceum, founded by decree of Alexander I in 1811. The Lyceum became innovative for the education system of that time: the children of the nobility were trained for public service, with strict knowledge requirements.

The curriculum included Russian and foreign languages, physics, mathematics, history, geography, economics, logic, law, music, drawing, gymnastics and fencing. The duration of the course was six years, and the ban on physical punishment made the educational process unique for the early 19th century.

The first graduation of the lyceum in 1817 gave the world outstanding people: Alexander Pushkin, Wilhelm Kuchelbecker, Anton Delvig, Ivan Pushchin, Fyodor Matyushkin, Modest Korf and others. In 1843, the Tsarskoye Selo Lyceum was moved to St. Petersburg and became the Alexander Lyceum, which operated until 1917.

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Lyceums were revived in Russia in the 1990s. Today, October 19 is celebrated as the All-Russian Lyceum Day, preserving the memory of the great graduates and traditions of the educational institution.

All-Russian Lyceum Student Day in 2025 — traditions

In the 19th century, graduates gathered for a "lyceum lunch" to meet old friends and exchange news. Modern celebrations continue this tradition: students and graduates visit their lyceums, congratulate teachers, participate in memorable concerts, theatrical performances and creative evenings.

Libraries, museums, and exhibition centers are preparing lectures, guided tours, and interactive classes dedicated to Pushkin and other famous lyceum students for October 19. Special attention is paid to the historical artifacts of the lyceum, educational materials and achievements of graduates.

What do lyceum students and graduates do?

Modern lyceum students continue the traditions of high-level education. They actively participate in scientific projects, Olympiads, competitions and creative events. Lyceum graduates occupy significant positions in science, culture, education, and government agencies.

The lyceum program combines classical and modern education — the study of humanities and natural sciences, the development of critical thinking, creative and athletic skills.

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Congratulations on the All-Russian Lyceum Day

On this day, it is important to express gratitude to all those who continue the traditions of lyceums, increase knowledge and inspire personal development.:

"Congratulations on the All-Russian Lyceum Student Day! May learning and creativity always lead to new heights, and may every day bring inspiration and pride in achievements!"

"Happy holidays! We wish that the pursuit of knowledge and the love of learning accompany you throughout your life. May the lyceum spirit help you achieve your goals and open up new horizons!"

"Happy All-Russian Lyceum Student Day! We wish you self-confidence, new discoveries, creative success and the joy of learning. May knowledge lead to new victories!"

Earlier, Izvestia reported on the history and traditions of Teacher's Day in Russia.