Stunning railway stations, majestic snow-capped mountains, remote, rugged wildness, ocean-sized lakes, picturesque countryside, and many other places make Russia popular among travelers. But, if your wondering soul wants to explore the true culture of Russia, you must be at this place during the festival season. Now, the question arises: What are Russia's most popular festivals?
Countless number of festivities are celebrated in Russia around the year. But, out of these, the New Year Event, Orthodox Christmas, Maslenitsa Festival, Reindeer Herder's Festival, Ivan Kupala Night, Winter Festival, and Moscow Golden Mask Festival are worth participating festivals. Besides that, the Moscow International Film Festival, Victory Day, and Russian Orthodox Easter Week are a few of the most popular events celebrated in Russia. You would love to be a part of these Russian festivals.
So, if you want to visit Russia to witness its rich traditions and old culture and to interact with locals, visit Russia during holidays or festivals. The festival season gives you a golden opportunity to experience the local customs and participate in unique style celebrations. If all this is exciting, let's learn about the colorful, enjoyable, and memorable Russian festivals here.
Most Popular Festivals Of Russia
Are you excited to learn about the Russian festivals? If yes, below are the festivities you are excited to know about:
The New Year Event
The New Year Event is one of the most famous events celebrated in the country. If you are considering visiting Russia, try to join this festival celebrated at Red Square. There you can enjoy amazing fireworks which are happening there. Besides the fireworks, you can also be a part of different parties, open-air festivals, and feasts at that time. At that time, locals enjoyed dancing and singing at different parks; joining them will be a memorable part of this tour!
Orthodox Christmas
It is a religious festival in Russia which is celebrated on January 7. It is the second time after December 25 that Christmas has been celebrated in the country. It is when you feel the place is getting more beautiful and worth exploring. Everything is decorated beautifully with lights, from parks to bridges and other public places. So, if you are planning your holidays in Russia, this would be the best time to explore the country.
Maslenitsa Festival
It is a popular and colorful festival celebrated in Russia. The purpose of this event is to farewell the winter season and welcome the spring. You may also know this event as a pancake event. The event is celebrated in February, about seven weeks earlier the Easter. It marks the start of Lent and the last week when you can eat eggs, milk, and butter. The festival is celebrated throughout the country, where you can enjoy live music, fireworks, and dancing.
Reindeer Herder’s Festival
The festival has been celebrated in Russia for the last 70 years and has become one of the most popular events in the country. The purpose of this festival is to preserve the ancient traditions of the Nenet people. The event is celebrated last Saturday of March, and here, you can enjoy different activities such as reindeer races and skiing. Also, tasting different snacks will be a great experience.
Moscow International Film Festival
The first film festival in Russia was celebrated in 1935, and since then, it has been regularly celebrated in the country. The event was marked on the culture calendar in 1959. Over 200 films were screened from 50 different regions or countries worldwide during this event. One of the pictures screened here also shows the Golden George.
Ivan Kupala Night
The celebration is related to the John the Baptist. During this festival, the girls wear the flowers on their heads, and at night, the wreaths are decorated with candles and are floated. The girl whose wreath travels longest is assured that she will have a happier year ahead. Also, the girl whose candle will burn for a long time will have a longer life. Besides that, the people light the bonfires and jump over them during these celebrations. It is for good luck.
Winter Festival
Russia's extreme winter season lasts for a long time compared to other regions. Therefore, to enjoy this season and to make it more fun, the Russian people enjoy this winter festival for a month. During this festival, the local art and culture is celebrated. The biggest celebrations are in Moscow, where you can see light everywhere, huge activities, and squares are turned into skating rinks.
Moscow Golden Mask Festival
If you are a fan of arts and are in Russia during March and April, consider yourself lucky as you can be a part of the Golden Mask festival. The event is celebrated for about two months, during which you can enjoy different performances. The festival is held at different prestigious venues showcasing all theater genres.
Victory Day
The Victory Day is celebrated to honor the soldiers who fought against Hitler. It is a special day for Russians where different commemorative acts are organized at different places, including the public squares. Besides that, you can also witness these acts in the streets of the biggest cities like Moscow. Along with these, the Military parades and other events are also being organized to remember the soldiers.
Russian Orthodox Easter Week
The event of Easter has a great mark on Russian traditions. The event is observed at a different date than in other parts of the world. At this time, different rituals like Palm Sundays can be observed. It is the best time to taste the deserts of Russia, and if you are thinking of ending your trip without tasting the delicious sweets, you will regret it for your whole life!
Conclusion:
Russian festivals allow you to learn about the country's customs, religion, food, and culture. These festivals are celebrated yearly at different times; you can participate anytime in Russia. So, to help you, we have mentioned the famous festivals in Russia you can be a part of. So, you can choose any of the festivals mentioned here and enjoy them like a local!
