• Russians mark New Year twice: On 1 January and on 14 January. New Year (1 January) is the biggest celebration in Russia - bigger than any religious or social celebration. 14 January is called ‘Old New Year’ since it is the beginning of a new year according to the old Russian calendar. Russians may wish each other on 14 January but there is practically no celebration.
• On New Year eve, almost every house will have the following items on the table: Salad ‘Olivier’; Herring ‘in a fur coat’; tangerines/oranges; champagne. And everyone watches the film ‘Ironia Sudbi ili c Lyogkim Parom’.

• Santa Claus doesn’t appear on Russian Christmas but Ded Moroz or Grandfather Frost accompanied by his grand-daughter Snegoruchka do on New Year eve. Their work, however, is the same. They bring gifts.

• Maslenitsa or Crepe week is celebrated in end Feb/early March to signify the end of winter. Bliny or crepes are eaten. Most Russians go vegetarian during the week. Maslenitsa is believed to be the oldest surviving Slavic holiday. An effigy on straw is burnt, somewhat like in Dussehra.

• 1 September is celebrated as Knowledge Day. Perviy Zvonok or First Bell is rung on this day and marks the beginning of new session in all schools. The day is specially important for first graders, who have a celebratory assembly on this date.

• After the civil wedding ceremony, the newlyweds and guests go on a tour of the city in a limousine and visit historical places.
• At the wedding reception, the first toast is for the newlyweds. After the toast, the guests start chanting ‘Gorko, Gorko’. The newlyweds are then supposed to kiss for a long time.
• During wedding receptions and other large celebrations, Tamada or an entertainer is hired. The Tamada keeps the guests entertained with jokes, games and dances.

Image source: ikorov.ru