Russia celebrated the birthday of Alexander Pushkin here Wednesday by reading the author's famous works at the Arts Square, local media reported.

To mark the writer's 213th birthday on June 6, famous actors in Saint Petersburg read Pushkin's most famous fairy tales, and students and passers-by read poems in different languages.

"Living pictures" of Pushkin's life were presented in front of the public, with interactive performances, music, dance, games, contests and tricks, and street performances.

The Russian poet and writer was born on June 6, 1799, and is recognized as a founder of the modern Russian literary language. He was the author of the novel in verse "Eugene Onegin," one of the most significant works of Russian literature.

In 2011, then Russian President Dmitry Medvedev signed a decree making June 6 the Russian Language Day to celebrate Pushkin's birthday annually, in order to preserve and develop the Russian language.