Russian Culture

Russian Christmastide, known as Svyatki or Sviatki, is associated with fortune telling. On Epiphany, some individuals bathe in icewater, thinking that all water becomes holy on this day.

Moscow's Russian Winter Festival celebrates the best of Russian winter, including ice sculpture, traditional winter activities, and holidays that take place during the period of the festival.

There's plenty to do in Moscow even with sub-zero temperatures. Festivals, ice sculpture, cruises on the Moscow River, and more make Moscow entertaining and enjoyable during the winter months.

Ice sculpture is a traditional art form in Russia. During winter, ice sculpture can last for weeks in cold temperatures, but the Gallery of Russian Ice Sculpture is a year-round museum of ice sculpture that features figures common to Russian culture.

Victory Day is a Russian Holiday celebrated on May 9th that marks the end of WWII. It is observed with parades, fireworks, and military displays.

Learn about some of the most important Russian royal leaders, from Ivan the Terrible to Nicholas II. These individuals exerted major influence on Russian culture through their conquests, reforms, modernization projects, and even their personal lives. Also, find out where you can see physical remnants of their rule.

Zavarka is just one part of Russian tea culture that helps to set it apart from tea cultures around the world. Zavarka must be made from tea that will not become bitter, even after it has steeped for a long time.

A podstakannik is a Russian tea glass holder. It is usually ornate and made of metal.

A zakuska is eaten before a meal. You can order a zakuska, or multiple zakuski, off menus at Russian restaurants.

The Cathedral of Christ the Savior was demolished during Soviet times and was rebuilt in the 1990s. It signifies a resurgence of interest in Russian Orthodoxy as well as Russia after communism.