A person holds Russian flags at the Place Square in front of the Winter Palace while taking part in the celebration of the "Day of Russia" in St. Petersburg, Russia, June 12, 2012. Russia celebrated on Tuesday its national holiday, the "Day of Russia", with mass culture events held throughout the country. (Xinhua/Lu Jinbo)

Russia celebrated on Tuesday its national holiday, the "Day of Russia", with mass culture events held throughout the country.

By convention, President Vladimir Putin presented National Awards for outstanding achievements in science and technology, literature and arts, and humanitarian work in the Kremlin on this holiday.

"This country has preserved true cultural, literature masterpieces, unique scientific discoveries, and has made an enormous input in the progress of the entire civilization," Putin said.

"Russia should be open for everything new and advanced," Putin said, adding that new parties were emerging in the country and regional leaders were to be elected directly.

These positive tendencies required leaders at all levels to be open and to continue an ongoing dialogue with the society, he said.

In Moscow, a grandiose concert was held on Red Square, marked with dazzling fireworks in the end. Over 20 other events were also held in city parks and libraries.

According to the Russian Interior Ministry, some 500,000 people took part in mass events in cities across the country.

However, the celebrations were marred by sporadic protests.

According to Moscow city police, some 18,000 participated in an opposition rally, which ended peacefully. Other cities also witnessed small-sized protests.

Celebrated annually since 1992, the Day of Russia marks the date when the First Congress of People's Deputies of the Russian Federation adopted the Declaration on Russia's National Sovereignty.

A person holds Russian flags at the Place Square in front of the Winter Palace while taking part in the celebration of the "Day of Russia" in St. Petersburg, Russia, June 12, 2012. Russia celebrated on Tuesday its national holiday, the "Day of Russia", with mass culture events held throughout the country. (Xinhua/Lu Jinbo)