Associate Professors of the Russian Language Department, Anna Komarova and Svetlana Timina, introduced international students and preparatory course learners to the history of New Year celebrations in Russia.

      The immersion into holiday traditions began with a story about why people have decorated New Year trees since ancient times and how ornaments have evolved. The students were particularly fascinated by Soviet-era New Year decorations, where each piece-cosmonauts, rockets, warmly bundled babies, pinecones, snowmen-symbolised a specific event or tradition of the country. With great enthusiasm, they learned verses by Kirov poetess Elizaveta Malysheva about these ornaments, recorded a video, and sent it to their families.

      A pleasant surprise for the international guests was a master class on making New Year decorations at the A.S. Pushkin Central Children's Library.

      The acquaintance with New Year traditions concluded on Spasskaya Street. During an engaging walk, the students not only saw modern holiday decorations but also got to know the geography of the Kirov Region better. On the tour organized by their teachers, the students learned what makes each district of the Kirov Region unique.

      This event provided a wonderful opportunity for cultural exchange and a deeper understanding of local winter traditions.