Decembrists and their wives: Who and why?
https://pikabu.ru/story/dekabristyi_i_nizhnie_chinyi_5585005 The emperor of Russia Alexander I was dead Before people could shout out “the king is dead, long live the king”, on the 14th of December (26th on new calendar) 1825 coup d’etat took place in the Senate Square in St. Petersburg. It was the time of interregnum between the death of Alexander I…
Museums: What to visit?
No matter what your plan or route is, you’ll get the urge to explore the city. Coming to Irkutsk before or after visiting Baikal Lake you might catch yourself on the idea to see and feel much more of the modern life of the city. In all ages, Irkutsk was considered a major cultural center…
Siberian wooden houses keep you safe from harm
Wooden architecture in Siberia The fortress of Irkutsk was founded in 1661 on the confluence of two rivers: The Angara and The Irkut. The Irkut River gave the name to the town. The location of Irkutsk was chosen very smartly – the rivers were full of fish and the forest round the fortress was rich…
Russian Fashion: 19th Century Fashion to Modern Clothing Style
Russia is a country with a long history and traditional clothing reflects it in many ways. Up to the reforms of Peter the Great in the mid-18th century, a traditional Russian costume was very recognizable. It is difficult to say when the history of traditional clothing began in Russia. But we know well what Rurikoviches…
How Russians Celebrate Maslenitsa: Profound Guide
What is Maslenitsa? You may call it ‘Russian Mardi Gras’ or even ‘Beltane’. And there are many other analogs: ‘Fastelovend’ in Cologne, ‘Fassenacht’ in Mainz, Carnival in Rhineland and other similar celebrations in the Czech Republic, Denmark, and England. Maslenita is a holiday that highlights the beginning of spring. According to ancient traditions, each day…
Party like a Russian. Drink tea like a Siberian
Tea is always a good idea. How much tea do you drink a day? What’s your favorite kind of tea? After reading this article, you will know why you need a towel while drinking tea; how many times you must reject a tea-drinking invitation; what Kyakhta language is and how to become a millionaire living…
Meet the local guide: Marina
Born in nowhere I was born in Siberia, in the windiest month of the year February. My hometown is lost deep in the forest, stretching along the bank of one of the most famous and longest Siberian rivers The Lena. On most maps this town is unidentified. It is located 1000 km from Irkutsk to…
What does Russia celebrate on November, 4th?
On November the 4th Russians will celebrate a National Unity holiday. One hidden truth about it is that at least half of people (this number is provided by Public Opinion Foundation) don’t know what we should celebrate, and what was the reason for this public holiday, they just enjoy a day off. If you like street…
A Glimpse Into Russian Literature: Best Russian Writers
It would be difficult to find a person who loves literature and has never heard of famous Russian writers, such as Leo Tolstoy and Fyodor Dostoyevsky. Indeed, when I think of what we should be proud of as a nation, the first thing that comes into my mind is literature. It goes the way beyond…
VDNKh Park and it’s Secrets
There is a special place named VDNKh (Exhibition of Achievements of National Economy) that you could find in Moscow, it’s a huge exhibition park territory. Depending on how you feel at the moment, you could find a spot here that would relate especially to you. There are so many things to do here. You could…