Russian world

Diversity of Cultures and Religions

Russia is home to more than 190 ethnic groups, each having its own unique culture, history, and heritage.

One of the largest groups in Russia is Russians, who make up the main ethnic group—about 80% of the country's population. The Russian people have an ancient and rich history, and the Russian language is one of the most widespread and important languages in Russia.

In addition to Russians, the country is home to many other peoples. For example, Tatars, Bashkirs, Chuvash, Mordvins, Buryats, Chechens, Ingush, and many other nationalities have their own historical and cultural characteristics. They preserve their traditions, customs, and languages, making the multiethnicity of Russia, one of its cultural highlights.

Regions and their Traditions

Russia is a huge country consisting of many regions, each of which has its own unique traditions and culture.

For example, Siberia is famous for its national cuisine and handmade crafts. Traditional dishes include pelmeni, pies, shashlik, and soups, as well as mead and kvass. Siberian artisans are known for their skills in working with wood, leather, and textiles.

The Ural region is another area rich in traditions. Here, you can find numerous craft workshops where unique items are created from metal, glass, and ceramics. The Ural region is also famous for its natural points of interest.

The North Caucasus is a region inhabited by many peoples with different traditions and cultures. Here, you can taste a unique cuisine that includes dishes made from meat, rice, and vegetables. Also in the North Caucasus you can find unique handicrafts such as carpets, souvenirs and jewelry.

Each region of Russia has its own unique traditions, which make the country multifaceted and interesting for travelers and tourists.

Main Russian Holidays

The Russian culture is highly appreciated around the world. Foreign theaters regularly stage operas, plays, and ballets created by Russian composers, and the works of Russian artists are admired by visitors to museums worldwide. Literature enthusiasts learn the Russian language to enjoy the original works of Fyodor Dostoevsky, Leo Tolstoy, Alexander Pushkin, and other great writers and poets.

New Year

The most important and beloved holiday for Russians features is a Christmas tree, gifts, long family feasts, and grand fireworks. It is celebrated on the night of January 1st. The main attributes of New Year in Russia include the kind Grandfather Frost (Ded Moroz), his granddaughter Snow Maiden (Snegurochka), champagne, caviar, Olivier salad, the chimes of the clock striking midnight, and the congratulatory address from the head of state on TV, as well as the obligatory rewatching of the Soviet comedy The Irony of Fate.

Christmas

It is the second most important holiday for Orthodox Christians in Russia after Easter. On the eve of January 7th, solemn services are held in Orthodox churches throughout the country. For Christmas, Russians decorate their homes and hold festive gatherings. It is also customary to fortune tell; unmarried ladies hope to find out the name of their future husbands. It is believed that Christmas predictions are the most accurate.

Tatiana's Day
(Russian Students' Day)

It is celebrated on January 25th. In 1775, on the feast day of the early Christian martyr Tatiana, Empress Elizabeth signed a decree establishing Moscow University (now MSU), which later became the center of Russian science and culture. Over time, the university's founding day became a celebration of Russian student life. In 2005, this status was officially confirmed. On this day, students honor their patroness Tatiana and celebrate the end of the winter examination session.

Defender of the Fatherland Day

In Soviet times, it was celebrated as the Day of the Soviet Army and Navy, congratulating all military personnel. In modern Russia, February 23rd is a holiday not only for the military but for all men, regardless of whether they have served in the army or not. On this day, in addition to congratulations, they expect small gifts from colleagues, relatives, friends, and their wives and girlfriends. Russians have a joke: the gift a woman gives her man on February 23rd determines what gift she will get on International Women's Day (March 8th).

Maslenitsa

A traditional Slavic holiday marking the farewell to winter and the welcome of spring. It is celebrated during the week before Great Lent, when it is customary to visit friends and enjoy bliny. The last, seventh day is marked by big festivities, culminating in a ritual farewell to winter, where the effigy of Lady Winter is burned.

International Women's Day

The International Day for Women's Rights in Russia is simply celebrated as Women's Day. On March 8th, all women in the country—from little girls to elderly women—are admired and adored: on this day, others tell them only pleasant things and present flowers and other gifts.

Easter

The oldest Christian holiday is celebrated in Russia at the beginning of spring. On this day, solemn services are held in Orthodox churches, and Russians greet each other with the phrase «Christ is risen!» to which the customary response is «Indeed He is risen». People buy or bake special Easter kulichi and paint eggs for the holiday.

Spring and Labor Day

During the Soviet era, May 1st was celebrated as International Workers' Solidarity Day. The holiday was official and had an ideological connotation. The main attributes included large parades with marches through the central streets of cities, including Red Square in Moscow, and greetings from the leadership of the Communist Party from the tribunes. Now it is known as Spring and Labor Day. Parades are organized by trade unions that protect the rights of working Russians.

Victory Day

One of the most important holidays in the country: May 9th marks the victory of the USSR over Nazi Germany and the end of the Great Patriotic War (1941-1945). On this day, big celebrations take place across the country: a procession to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Moscow, military parades in hero cities, and festive fireworks and concerts. Russians honor veterans.

Russia Day

It is celebrated annually on June 12th. On this day, festive events and concerts are held throughout the country. It was established in honor of the adoption of the Declaration of State Sovereignty of the Russian Federation in 1990.

Religious Holidays of the Peoples of Russia

Various confessions living in Russia have their own traditions. In particular, Muslims observe Ramadan (a month of mandatory fasting), celebrate Uraza Bayram (the holiday marking the end of fasting), and Kurban Bayram (the spring holiday of sacrifice); Jews celebrate Hanukkah (the Jewish festival of lights) and Passover; Buddhists celebrate Sagaalgan (the festival of the White Month, the first day of the New Year according to the lunar calendar) and Zula-Khural (the festival of a thousand lamps).

Kindheartedness

Compassion is a fundamental human value, expressed in the desire to help others and care for those in difficult life situations. In Russia, compassion is actively demonstrated through many volunteer movements and initiatives. One striking example is the nationwide volunteer movement Medical Volunteers, which brings together people who are ready to help patients in hospitals or residents of nursing homes.

These volunteers provide not only physical assistance but also emotional support—especially important for those facing loneliness or fear. Such initiatives reflect the spirit of compassion at the civic level, highlighting the importance of individual participation in improving the lives of others and showing how personal efforts can unite into impactful projects that help build a caring society.

Establishing a network of modern campuses

Russia is developing a network of 25 university campuses by 2030. Currently, 18 buildings in 5 student campuses have been constructed in Moscow, Kaliningrad, Chelyabinsk, Novosibirsk, and Nizhny Novgorod. Total area - over 219,000 sq.m.

These campuses offer comprehensive facilities to support students, postgraduate students, faculty members, and young families in their studies, work, and family life.

To check whether a university is part of the federal project "Establishing a network of modern campuses", visit its page on the Study in Russia portal.

Learn more about the project