Russian Culture & Ethnography

Russian Culture: Etiquette, Traditions & Customs 

Russian culture holds many unique customs and beautiful traditions that have arisen from their fascinating national tapestry over the centuries. Many of these traditions and cultural etiquette norms are heavily interconnected with the Russian psyche, born through strong ties to the country’s tumultuous hardships, which have been moulded to foster a highly patriotic society. Our travel blogs cover an extensive range of Russian culture and traditions. These revolve around Russian values, personality quirks, greetings and naming conventions, gift-giving, dining etiquette and wedding ceremonies. We’ll explore Russian stereotypes entrenched in Hollywood media and give you an authentic portrait of Russian culture as experienced travellers. There’s no limit to the grandiose splendour and mysterious intrigue of Russian culture, from history to cuisine and architecture. 

Russian Culture: Ethnography & Indigenous Peoples 

When you picture a typical Russian person, you’re probably thinking of a fair-skinned European with blonde hair and blue eyes. However, Russia is a large multinational and multicultural state which consists of more than 185 ethnic groups and over 100 regional languages. These groups can vary significantly, from a few thousand people to millions spread across the nation’s cities and rural villages. Among this ethnographic diversity, many of these groups practice various religions and customs, including Catholicism, Buddhism and even shamanism. While ethnic Russians make up 81% of the population, there are several large minority groups and indigenous tribes, including the Tatars, Ukrainians, Bashkirs, Yakuts, Buryats, the Nenets in Yamal Peninsula and more. 

Russian Culture: Classical Music, Literature & Performing Arts 

It’s no secret that Russian culture is an ancient treasure chest packed with all sorts of valuable gems. This includes rich literature, spellbinding classical music, awe-inspiring dance performances and mesmerising visual arts. From traditional Russian folk music to church songs, Russian culture has a distinctive history that has cultivated a highly revered music realm, leading to the birth of many famous Russian composers and musicians. There’s a likely chance you’ve heard about the wonderful works of Tchaikovsky, Rachmaninoff and Shostakovich. When delving into Russia’s deep contribution to literature, travellers will be amazed at the epic ingenuity of famous writers including Leo Tolstoy and Fyodor Dostoevsky. Cruising beyond this arena, Russia’s historically exceptional ballet scene has led to the creation of magnificent, heart-stopping performances. For instance, many travellers visit the Bolshoi Ballet in Moscow and Mariinsky (Kirov) in St Petersburg, which have captivated audiences around the world.