Russia is a country with a rich cultural heritage and long history, which is reflected in various traditional celebrations and rituals. One of the most widely celebrated holidays in Russia is New Year's Eve, which is considered to be a family-oriented event filled with joy, fun, and magic.
New Year's Eve celebrations in Russia start early in the evening of the 31st of December and last until the early hours of the 1st of January. The festivities include various traditions and customs, such as decorating a New Year's tree or "yolka," preparing traditional Russian cuisine, and exchanging gifts.
One of the highlights of New Year's Eve in Russia is the chiming of the Kremlin clock, which signals the start of the fireworks display over Red Square. The fireworks last for approximately 30 minutes, during which time crowds of people gather in the streets to watch and enjoy the spectacular show.
Another important part of the celebrations is the traditional New Year's feast, where families and friends gather around a table laden with various delicacies, such as salads, meat dishes, fish, and Russian traditional drinks like "compote" made of dried fruits or "kvass" - a non-alcoholic drink made of fermented rye. Both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages flow freely, adding to the festive climax of the night.
The celebrations of the New Year's Eve are not limited to the midnight fireworks, though - they continue well into the morning of the 1st of January, also known as "Novy God" in Russia. People exchange gifts, watch TV shows and concerts, or go out for a walk to visit friends and relatives.
In conclusion, New Year's Eve in Russia is a special time of the year when people come together to enjoy the festive spirit, to welcome the New Year, and to look forward to new beginnings. It is an opportunity to celebrate with family and friends, to indulge in traditional food and drink, and to enjoy the fireworks in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. These festivities represent an important part of Russian culture, which has been passed down from generation to generation, and continue to be an essential symbol of the country's identity.