Culture and History of Russia

Culture is a hybrid generated from the customs of so many civilizations, which are formed in a great
multicultural state and the result of its development during various times. Being strongly rooted in
the culture of the early East Slavs.
Historically the dominant condition in Russia, has been occupied by Russian culture, Russian
language culture and Russian nationality. This is partly because the Russians become the history of
the country and often in the history of Russia, the cultures of other nationalities are integrated into
the culture through Russification.
The culture of ancient Rus', was involved in the conversion to Orthodox Christianity and the
welcome of Byzantine art and its architecture. The Church had resources to entrust great works of
art, as well as the will and intention of preserving them.
Back in 1890, a new art form boomed, the Russian avant-garde. However, it developed within the
Soviet regime when the government took control of all artistic activity.
The policy of the Soviet Union with respect to culture was controversial: on the one hand there was
a politically motivated desire to create a "Soviet people", which was expressed in the notion of
Soviet culture, exemplified by Socialist Realism. There were periodic campaigns for the
preservation of national cultures: each ethnic group has its "great national writers" and popular
cultural practices are officially admitted.
Russia has some of the most important names in world culture, such as the composers Stravinsky
and Tchaikovsky, greats of literature such as: Tolstoy and Dostoevsky, and chess figures such as:
Anatoly Karpov and Gari Kasparov.
In March 2000, Vladimir Putin became president of Russia. Russia became the world's largest oil
exporter outside of OPEC and, to the surprise of many, the economic climate was improving,
Moscow could boast of having more multimillion-dollar residents than any other city except New
York.
Russia is a country with an emerging economy, of enormous dynamism and in constant
development. The modernization and liberalization of its economy and industry is the main priority
of the Russian authorities possible thanks to the significant inflows of foreign capital and also from
the exploitation of raw materials and technology.
National Holidays of Russia

New Year: First week of January.

The New Year is the most anticipated party in Russia. Children dream of gifts, adults with their
most anxious wishes come true and all, friends and strangers, want happiness, prosperity and joy for
next year.
Orthodox Christmas: January 7.
According to the Bible, more than 2,000 years ago mankind witnessed the fulfillment of their most
desired hope: to achieve a close communication with God. The holiday of Christmas symbolizes the
reconciliation of man with God.

Defender of the Motherland Day: February 23.

On February 23, Russia traditionally celebrates the Day of the Defender of the Fatherland, also
known as the "Day of Man". The party has its origin in the beginning of the Soviet era.
International Women's Day: March 8
At the beginning of March, on the 8th.
International Women's Day is celebrated in Russia. For a long time it was a party that symbolized
the struggle of women for their rights but in recent years the vindictive nature of the party has been
reduced to almost disappear.

Spring and Labor Day: May 1-2

May Day is celebrated in Russia on the first of May.
In the USSR the party had the name of Day of the International Solidarity of the Workers and it was
considered as one of the most important holidays of the year.

Victory Day: May 9.

The victory of the Soviet Union and the Allies over Nazi Germany in World War II was reached on
May 9, 1945. Since then this day is called Victory Day and is a holiday in Russia and most of the
old Soviet republics.
Independence Day: June 12.

The date commemorates the Declaration of National Sovereignty of the Russian Federation. In 1992
the date was proclaimed national holiday and in 2002 it began to be officially called the Day of
Russia.

National Unity Day: November 4.

On November 4 National Unity Day is celebrated. It is a relatively new party, established in 2005 to
replace the Day of the Great October Socialist Revolution, which was commemorated every
November 7th.
Russian gastronomy

Russian cuisine derives from an innumerable wealth of dishes, due in the first place to the
multicultural character of the country and secondly to the vast geographical extension of it.
Many dishes that we consider today typically Russian are of Polish, French or Italian origin.
The famous "Blini" (crepes) are very popular in Russia, it can be said that they are an alternative to
hamburgers and sandwiches in other countries. Blini is a very traditional and ancient Russian folk
dish, it is related to many traditions and popular festivals.
Soups - the most famous soup is 'Borscht' (Борщ). It is a soup of Ukrainian origin, made of beet,
potato, cabbage, meat. Also not less popular is the Solianka soup. You can find the soup 'Schi' (can
be of cabbage or sorrel) or 'Ujá' (fish soup).
As a second course, different meat dishes are offered, for example Stroganoff, or 'Shashlik'
(skewers), different fillets and stuffed meat, chicken (a la Kiev). You will also find fish (salmon,
trout, sturgeon, cod).
caviar There are two types of Russian caviar: red (salmon) and black beluga, sturgeon and sevruga
(comes from the Caspian Sea).
Traditional beverages
The traditional drink in Russia par excellence is tea, which is taken at any time of the day, it is
always black tea with sugar and lemon, but without milk, always hot. Lately green tea, fruit tea and
other varieties are also in fashion. There is a whole tradition of tea drinking (this ritual is the flame
and the tea itself is called Chai in Russian).