How Russians Celebrate the New Year: Traditional Foods, Drinks, and Unique Traditions

Russian New Year Celebrations:

When thinking about New Year celebrations around the world, the Russian New Year stands out with its unique blend of traditional foods, drinks, and unique customs. Russians celebrate this holiday not just with grand feasts but with a series of activities that make the occasion truly unforgettable.

Traditional Foods and Drinks

While much of the celebration revolves around feasting, Russian New Year menus typically feature a diverse array of traditional foods and beverages that are enjoyed throughout the festive period. Among the most popular dishes are:

Olivier Salad: A Russian potato salad that includes ingredients like peas, carrots, and pickles, often presented in a colorful and elaborate manner. Caviar: A luxurious delicacy that is a favorite among the wealthy and is frequently served at Russian tables. Tangerines: Symbolic of good luck and fortune, these sweet citrus fruits are often placed under the New Year tree or on the dining table. Dressed Herring Salad: A cold salad of herring, onions, potatoes, and pickles, seasoned with mayonnaise or sour cream. Vodka: If Russian New Year celebrations are to be truly experienced, a few glasses of high-quality vodka are de rigueur.

Additionally, champagne and a variety of other fine drinks are served to enhance the festive atmosphere. Families and groups of friends gather around the table, sharing these delicious foods and enjoying each other's company.

Unique Celebratory Traditions

Beyond the traditional foods and drinks, several unique customs add a special touch to Russian New Year celebrations:

Noon Midnight Celebrations: Many Russians head out after midnight to the city square, where a large Christmas tree is often adorned with lights and decorations. They meet friends and join in the revelry, continuing the festivities into the night. Party Horn Blowers: An interesting custom is the act of blowing a party horn. A well-known Russian tradition involves someone on the back porch blowing the horn, followed by someone on the front porch doing the same. This practice signals the beginning of the New Year celebrations. Kremlin Bells: Many Russian homes have the television on to hear the Kremlin bells chime at midnight, which signifies the start of the New Year. At this moment, champagne glasses are raised, clinks are heard, and heartfelt wishes are shared.

Comparative Observations

While it is true that Russian New Year celebrations include plenty of alcohol and feasting, they can be more than just a luxury. People often celebrate with family and friends in various settings, including:

Home Celebrations: Many Russians prefer to stay home, where they prepare delicious meals, lay out a variety of drinks, and turn on the television. When the Kremlin chimes play the twelfth stroke of midnight, they raise their champagne glasses, clink them, and share warm wishes for the New Year. Outings: Some Russians take the opportunity to go out, especially after midnight, to join in the festivities by visiting city squares with giant Christmas trees and watching friends light up fireworks.

Overall, Russian New Year is a celebration that is both whimsical and grand, a time when diversity in tradition and unique customs meet to create memorable experiences that are uniquely Russian.