🇷🇺 Did you know that Russia spans a whopping 9 time zones? 2026 has already arrived in Kamchatka, Chukotka, Vladivostok, Magadan, and Yakutsk.

🥂 Right this moment, Irkutsk is ringing in the New Year!

🇷🇺 While Moscow is still spinning in the whirlwind of last-minute preparations, we continue our festive theme and tell you about beloved New Year dishes from the Russian table!

P.S. This is a case where classics and traditions are stronger than any food trend – despite all the variety of holiday dishes, our favorite recipes always win in the end.

🇷🇺 Olivier Salad – the undisputed king of the New Year's table.

It was invented

in the 19th century

by French chef

Lucien Olivier

at Moscow’s restaurant. The modern version bears little resemblance to the original, which included birds, veal tongue, crayfish tails, and caviar. Over time, the recipe adapted to a

more available and simple version.

The classic Soviet version features boiled sausage, potatoes, carrots, eggs, pickles, and peas. It’s this familiar combination that has become “the real Olivier” — the one everyone chops up on December 31st while watching movies and TV shows!

🇷🇺 Roasted poultry (chicken, duck, turkey) – the centerpiece dish for the whole family. In pre-revolutionary Russia, goose or duck with apples was often served at celebrations. Today, chicken or turkey roasted with potatoes, oranges, honey, and spices is much more common. Many families also prepare meat and vegetables baked in clay pots with potatoes, onions, carrots, and herbs.

🇷🇺 Herring under a fur coat (Shuba) is the quintessential culinary symbol of a Russian holiday. This classic layered salad, where juicy fish, sweet beets, crispy onions, and tender potatoes create that unmistakable flavor, makes New Year's table truly complete.

🇷🇺 Pies and cakes are an essential part of the celebration. Russians often choose classics like Napoleon or Medovik cake – tender, sweet desserts enjoyed both on holidays and on everyday basis.

Medovik, associated with

childhood and home celebrations,

is a beloved favorite to bake for the New Year.

🇷🇺 Rich braided breads, wreaths, and rolls with poppy seeds, cottage cheese, nuts, or jam. These pastries are very satisfying and pair perfectly with hot tea during long New Year's conversations.

Every family has its own set of essential dishes, and therein lies the magic: shared traditions blended with little personal rituals.

And what is an absolute must on your New Year's table – which hot dish or dessert makes the holiday feel incomplete without it?

🌐 MGIMO International (ENG) / МГИМО для иностранцев (RUS)

🔥The New Year has arrived, but all of Russia (including all university students) can still look forward to the long New Year holidays. And winter Moscow has everything to ensure that you don't get bored.

We've gathered for you the top most atmospheric spots in the capital!

CLASSIC WINTER MOSCOW
📍 Park Zaryadye – Red Square – GUM Department Store.
Picture-perfect views of the snow-dusted Kremlin, aromatic mulled wine at the New Year market, and the shimmering garlands of GUM – ideal for atmospheric photos and immersing yourself in the festive spirit.

ACTIVE LEISURE IN THE CENTER
📍Gorky Park + Neskuchny Garden.
Locals love to skate here or, after renting skis, glide along the ski track in the neighboring Neskuchny Garden.

ICE AND FOREST
📍Ice rinks at the Northern River Terminal and Kolomenskoye Park.
Spacious ice rinks – less crowded than in the center, but no less atmospheric. Muscovites and visitors can not only skate to their heart's content surrounded by winter forests along the Moskva River embankments but also, by bringing a thermos, arrange a cozy picnic with a view of the ice. Or enjoy a nice meal and hot drinks at one of the cosy cafes right on the rink.

THERAPY FOR MIND AND BODY
📍"Architecture for People" exhibition at the Museum of Moscow.
Russia's first sensory exhibition where you walk... barefoot offers the perfect reset through a play of light, sounds, scents, and tactile sensations.

ART OF THE FUTURE
📍ZILART Museum Complex.
A futuristic museum-cube with a unique collection: from avant-garde and Soviet nonconformist art to African art.

RUSSIAN TEA DRINKING
📍Tea House in Meshchersky Park.
A winter day in Moscow is unthinkable without a tea party. In a cozy tea house, to the sound of a samovar, you can chat with friends and loved ones, treating yourself to fragrant tea and traditional Russian pastries.

This is winter Moscow – grandiose and intimate, vibrant and serene. It's no wonder our capital is called the best city on Earth: here, everyone will find a place to their liking, both on hectic weekdays and on frosty weekends!

🌐 MGIMO International (ENG) / МГИМО для иностранцев (RUS)

Our #NewYearReport series continues! In this edition, Ana – a member of the International Applicants Club – takes us through the unique New Year traditions of Serbia!🇷🇸

🎉New Year (January 1) is one of the biggest celebrations full of feasts with sarma (grape or cabbage leaves stuffed with rice, vegetables, and meat) and barbecue, city square parties, and endless hugs. Streets and homes are decorated, and fireworks are believed to chase away evil spirits.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Children’s Day, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are sweet family holidays celebrated on three Sundays before Christmas.

Children and parents are playfully “tied up” with rope and must give a small gift or sweets to be free, thus symbolizing family unity, gratitude, and festive preparation.

➡ Christmas Eve in Serbia is called Badnji Dan. At dawn, men cut the badnjak (oak branch) while women prepare česnica bread. The house is scattered with grain for prosperity and straw for fertility. In the evening, three badnjaks are brought inside, prayers are said, and a lenten dinner is shared.

✔Christmas, or Božic (January 7). The morning begins with breaking the fast and burning the badnjak with wishes for health. The česnica bread is broken open, hiding inside a coin, grains, or beans, each with its own meaning.

🇷🇺 And, finally, Serbian New Year is celebrated on January 14 by the Julian calendar. Families and close friends gather for traditional food and songs, representing a beautiful blend of faith, tradition, and culture.

Which Serbian custom is your favorite? Share below! 🇷🇸✨

By Ana Janković

🌐 MGIMO International (ENG) / МГИМО для иностранцев (RUS)

🎄 We continue sharing New Year’s stories from participants of the International Applicants Club all over the world.

🇧🇷 Today’s #NewYearReport comes from sunny Brazil. It’s impossible to imagine this country without the sea, warmth, and vibrant, noisy celebrations. And New Year’s Eve is no exception.

🎇 Massive nighttime festivities (including on the beaches), fireworks, and free concerts by major artists are the usual way to celebrate the New Year in Brazil. At midnight, a shared ritual begins: sparkling wine is uncorked, hugs are exchanged— often even with strangers —and toasts are raised together for health, happiness, and well-being. Social boundaries fade, giving way to a sense of unity.

Those who prefer a calmer atmosphere celebrate with family. But Brazilians are more accustomed to lively, collective festivities.

🍽️ The New Year’s table in Brazil reflects the holiday’s spirit of community and togetherness. Every guest brings a dish, and everyone shares with one another.

You’ll often find roasted turkey, stuffed pork, glazed ham, baked cod, salmon, shrimp in pumpkin, salpicão salad, and the famous raisin rice.

Some consider it an essential part of the celebration, others a culinary curiosity—so debates about it return every year, always in good humor. Sparkling wine is opened exactly at midnight.

🤍 One of the key traditions is wearing white to welcome the New Year—a symbol of peace and new beginnings.

🌊 After midnight, many step into the sea and jump over seven waves while making wishes. This ritual has pagan roots and reflects Brazil’s cultural diversity— a country with the largest Catholic population in the world, yet rich in multi-faith and multi-ethnic traditions.

Feliz Ano Novo!

By Bruno Leimig

🌐 MGIMO International (ENG) / МГИМО для иностранцев (RUS)