Superbly excited folks around the world are set to rejoice the biggest celebration of the year. Yes, it’s New Year. Different countries have certain unusual attractions in store to pamper passionate travelers. While most part of winter holidays is over in many areas of the world Russia is celebrating a little longer.
Russian New Year holidays mark the celebration that extends halfway January. A vacation in Russia during New Years’ time got you to enjoy the festivities, facts, and supplementary traditions. The country offers double treat on New Year in Russia. First is the more pompous celebration on 31st December and 1st January, and traditional celebration on 14th January with family.
The below reasons emphasize why you should plan a trip to Moscow or St. Petersburg.
New Year In Russia Facts
- Olivier salad is a mandatory preparation on Russian New Year Table.
- As per the Orthodox Russian calendar, Christmas was celebrated on 7th January and New Year on 14th January.
- Russians enjoy traditional New Year with their family. In contrast to this, the modern celebration of the New Year in Russia is grand. There are fireworks, special late night feasts followed by a brief presidential discourse telecast.
- Besides Russia old New Year is celebrated by Orthodox churches in Serbia and many other Eastern European countries.
- Russia has his own Santa. Ded Moroz or Father Frost or Grandfather Frost is fundamental to the Russian New Year celebration. He clad in embroidered red caftan gown with snow-white fur trimmings. The red cap, white mittens, and red felt boots accessorize the appearance. According to a belief, Veliky Ustyug is home to Ded Moroz. You can visit Ded Moroz’ house on your trip to Russia.
- Ded Moroz and his elf granddaughter, Snegurochka is a crowd puller. Snegurochka is an enigmatic character that gives a human face to frozen waters. Her character is seen wearing a white costume. They are especially popular with kids.
- The white-bearded Ded Moroz carries gifts in the red sac which he distributes to the kids.
- According to Russian mythology, Moroz is a caring character. To thank him Russians hold custom of serving him on Christmas. A traditional dish kutya is offered to him. Also known as kissel; the dish is prepared with boiled rice or oats, honey, poppy seeds, and raisins. The ingredients symbolize 3 important traits- hope, happiness, and success.
Must Read: 8 Cities With Best Russia Nightlife; Say It Aloud, “Lights, Vodka, & Russians!” In 2023
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New Year in Russia Traditions
Russians attach many customs with the celebration of the New Year. The amazing Russian New Year traditions are as follows:
• Russian people believe “The way you meet the New Year is the way you will spend it”, so they begin New Year with debt clearing. The Soviet Russia people take the occasion to cleanse souls, forgive those who did wrong to them.
• The natives clean their house as they step in a New Year in Russia.
• It is a custom to clean corpus too. In order to do so, Russians go for sauna (banya) or take hot water bath on 31st December.
In banya, a bunch of twigs from white birch, eucalyptus, and oak is used to beat you in order to rule out many diseases and improve blood circulation.
• Large assortment of dishes and best wines on sumptuous New Year dinner signifies prosperity and well-being will prevail in the coming year.
• The ordinary food on New Year Table symbolizes starved year ahead.
• Observe a sleepless New Year in Russia! It is considered a curse to sleep on New Year night. The sleepy day means an unexciting year.
• Before bidding goodbye to old year people gather at the table to recall the pleasant moments of the year. Also, the moments are used to wish good luck to each other and new achievements in the New Year.
• New clothes, especially new underwear are worn to honor the New Year.
• Gifts are tokens of love. T-shirts, underwear, socks, etc. are popular New Year gifts in Russia.
• As the clock is about to strike 12 toast of champagne is raised and wishes are made. The wish is written on paper, burnt to ashes, dissolved in the glass of champagne, and drink. Russians have faith this will make sure that your wish will come true. Isn’t this sound exciting? You too can try this on New Year. Be cautious you follow the steps before 12 A.M.
Suggested Read: 9 Hotels In Russia That Are A Perfect Blend Of Modern Culture And Old-World Charm!
Russian New Year Celebration
Russian New Year feast essentially consists of herring which is a pickled beet salad with mayonnaise. Herring is paired with sliced salami on the plate.
Olivier salad is the traditional Russian salad preparation accustomed to Russian New Year. It is a simple yet tasty potato salad. The authentic recipe of Olivier salad contains potato, pickles, canned green peas, carrots, chicken, eggs, and mayonnaise in olive oil dressing.
Pickles are a traditional accompaniment of vodka and are paired with dark bread. Sliced cheese, caviar, and pierogi are other interesting starters. Tortes are must check out dessert for a person with a sweet tooth. Russian chocolates fancy grownups and kids alike.
Orthodox church New Year festivities include service, dining, and dancing. None can be more exciting than a dinner dance on folk music. It is also the time to relish traditional Macedonian recipes.
Suggested Read: 10 Places To Visit In Russia To Witness The Beauty Of This Incredible Nation
Getting Around Russia
Get the most of Russian New Year’s eve fun on the ride in local trains. Celebrate New Year with vodka and guests on the train. Drinking publicly in trains is legal here. Kick back to your destination by an overnight train in Russia.
New Year is Russia’s favorite holiday and the natives put every effort to make it traveler’s favorite too. It is a commemoration of 3 celebrations- Christmas, New Year, and Winter Solstice. The streets are illuminated to the core. Trimmings like wooden toys, lights, fruits, sweets, glass balls etc. on fir-tree adds to the impressive decor.
Further Read: 9 Fabulous Beaches In Russia That Let You Relish The Taste Of The Good Life!
The celebration resonates with Kremlin chimes at midnight, right when both the hands of the clock meets. No other time is better to visit Russia than on the New Year’s Eve but be sure to book in advance to avoid hiked prices! Plan your trip to Russia with TravelTriangle and experience the best in this glorious and charming country with your loved ones!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Russian New Year
How do they celebrate New Year in Russia?
According to the Julian Calendar, or the Orthodox Calendar, the “Old” New Year in Russia is celebrated on 14th January. It’s the smaller of the two New Year’s holidays in Russia and on this day the locals usually stay at home and spend the day with their families. However, on the “New” New Year’s Eve, you’ll find the kind of celebrations as in any other, jazzed up to give you the best experience of welcoming the New Year in Russia.
What do Russians eat on New Years?
Olivier Salad, Shuba Salad (Russian beet and herring), Open Face Fish/Caviar Sandwich, Holodets (Meat Jello), and Champagne are the main things that Russians eat on New Year’s eve.
How long does Russian Christmas last?
As per the Orthodox Church, the Russian Christmas starts on 28th November and goes till 6th January, spanning a duration of 40 days. However, the official Christmas and New Year holidays in Russia start from December 31st and end on January 10th, spanning just 11 days.
How do I dress for New Year in Russia?
It will be really cold in Russia on New Year. So make sure you pack the following items before taking a trip to Russia during that time: 1. Hats/Caps 2. Waterproof and warm woolens 3. Thick jackets or fleece 4. Scarves and mufflers 5. Woolen gloves and socks 6. Comfortable shoes or boots
What are the main holidays in Russia?
New Year’s, Christmas, Protector of the Motherland Day, International Women’s Day, Labor Day, Victory Day, Russia Day, Unity Day, Easter, Maslenitsa, Ivan Kupala, and Cosmonaut Day are some of the main festivals and holidays in Russia.
What is the biggest holiday in Russia?
The Christmas and New Year celebrations are considered to be the biggest holidays in Russia.
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