Points of Russia: Exploring the Land of the Tsars

Unravelling the Mysteries of Russian Customs Russia is a vast land with a rich and vivid culture. This culture is reflected in the Russian customs and traditions, which are full of symbols and meanings. Visitors may find themselves perplexed and curious trying to unravel the mysterious customs and traditions of this Slavic country. When travelling to Russia, one must expect that much of their journey will depend on understanding and navigating some of the local cultural practices. In this article, we are going to take a closer look at a few of the traditions and customs that visitors need to know about when visiting Russia. The Drinking Culture When asked about the drinking culture in Russia, most people know that vodka is the de facto alcoholic beverage. While vodka may be the most popular, it's far from the only popular alcoholic-of-choice. Beer is the second-most popular and is a source of pride for the country. Wines from the Krasnodar and Crimea regions, as well as other r...

Exciting Russian Festivals and Celebrations If you've ever considered going to Russia for a unique adventure, you know that the possibilities for excitement are nearly endless. From visiting some of the world’s most impressive museums and archaeological sites to soaking up the rich culture of the country’s many fascinating cities, a trip to Russia is one that you’ll never forget. But what many people don't realize is that there are also a number of exciting festivals and celebrations that take place in Russia throughout the year. From traditional Russian Folk festivals to exuberant Russian-style New Year’s celebrations, here’s a look at some of the most popular and exciting festivities that you shouldn’t miss when visiting this amazing country. Maslenitsa Maslenitsa is an old Slavic holiday that marks the beginning of spring and a time to say goodbye to the harsh winter. The holiday involves creating a giant straw effigy of the wintertime spirit (also called Maslenitsa) and ...

Celebrating Russian Holidays Have you ever thought about how Russians celebrate their holidays? Celebrating traditional Russian holidays can be a wonderful experience that will give you a glimpse into life in the land of the Tsars. Here we will look at some of the most popular holidays and discuss their traditions and customs. Christmas Although the Russian Orthodox Church follows the Julian calendar, the majority of Russians still celebrate Christmas on the 7th of January. This is because, for over 50 years during communist rule, the Orthodox holiday was not celebrated or even acknowledged. The main activities of Orthodox Christmas day in Russia involve going to a church service followed by a big feast that includes some traditional dishes, such as kutia (the main course) and meats. Christmas decorations are also a big part of the celebration and are usually made from natural materials such as straw, branches and berries. Easter Like Christmas, the celebration of Easter in Russia...