Russian Emigration and Pushkin

In response to Mayakovsky's call in Russia to "throw Pushkin off the ship of modernity," the first celebration of the "Day of Russian Enlightenment" was organized in Estonia in 1924 by the initiative of the "Union of Russian Educational and Charitable Societies" for the 125th anniversary of the poet's birth. The success of this event inspired the creation of an annual celebration for the entire emigration, named the "Day of Russian Culture," which was timed to coincide with Pushkin's birthday according to the new style. In 1925, the celebration was marked in 13 countries where Russian emigrants lived. In 1926, a large gathering took place in Paris. The "Day of Russian Culture" under the banner of Pushkin was conceived as a means against denationalization, which threatened not only the children of emigrants but the entire Russian people: "In Russia, the values of the past, gathered by our fathers, have been scorned and cursed. Meanwhile, culture is the cult of the fathers; and only if there is a cult of the fathers, can there be a country of children."

For Pushkin's anniversary in 1937, the emigration began preparations in advance. A year prior, the Pushkin Committee was established in Paris, which initiated the creation of over 150 local committees. Their activities varied from solemn gatherings to the publication of artistic works. A single-volume edition, impeccable in text and elegant in design, was released to become a bedside book for every Russian. Emigrant newspapers published special issues.

A significant event was the large Pushkin exhibition at the Pleyel Hall in Paris, organized by the famous dancer and collector S. Lifar. The exhibition featured original manuscripts by Pushkin, 10 of his letters to N.N. Goncharova, pistols brought by Dantes for the duel, as well as paintings, furniture, and porcelain recreating the domestic environment of Pushkin's years.

In Paris, the celebrations concluded with a solemn gathering featuring speeches by Bunin and others. During the same days, gatherings took place in Belgrade, Warsaw, Prague, and Sofia. The widespread celebration of the anniversary demonstrated to the emigration its mission to stand guard over culture and the true Russia.