Barankas, Kokoshniks, and Handmade Dolls: Russian Culture Day Held at HSE University

In late October, 2024, the HSE Campus on Pokrovka hosted the Russian Culture Day Festival. This traditional event, organised by the HSE Department for Internationalisation, aims to help both international and Russian students learn more about the country and its culture, while making new friends in an exciting and positive atmosphere.

Currently, around 5,000 international students are studying at the HSE Moscow campus. To help them adapt to their new environment, the university offers an opportunity to get acquainted with multicultural Russia through the Russian Culture Day Festival. On October 17, 2024, participants were able to join workshops in the atrium on Pokrovsky Bulvar, where they could learn how to assemble and paint wooden huts, make handcrafted dolls and beeswax candles, and even play the bayan, balalaika, and wooden spoons. In addition, they could enjoy traditional Russian cuisine, such as pies and barankas, as well as beverages in a tea room. Participants had the chance to play quizzes on Russian literature, music, cuisine, and geography, and guess the names of paintings and the meanings of rare Russian words.

International students enthusiastically explored each thematic workshop and took photos in kokoshniks, traditional woman’s headdresses worn in old Russia. Edna Jacob, from Tanzania, came to Russia through HSE’s International Prep Year programme. ‘One of our HSE teachers told us about today's event, and we were all looking forward to it. I have already built and painted a wooden hut,’ she shared. ‘I absolutely love HSE University; the people and professors here are amazing. Through their teachings it is clear they have a passion for what they do.’

Zhang Yifan came to HSE University from China. ‘I have been at HSE for two months, and I will be here for a total of four months as part of an exchange programme. I am doing a PhD programme in sociology. HSE is different from my home university. Before coming to Moscow, I was a little worried, but now I am very inspired and I love it here,’ she said.

Other HSE students also shared their impressions of the festival.

Ilya Shevchenko, first-year student of the Bachelor’s Programme in Economics: 

— I can study history in lectures, or I can stay here and make dolls, immersing myself in the atmosphere. It is great that HSE University organises such festivals. One of the best things about HSE is that there is always something happening, and every time you want to stop and join in.

Elena Hassan, second-year student of the Master’s Programme in Pedagogy:

— I have already created a beeswax candle with my own hands and decorated it. I am considering using it in my home décor. It is an extremely interesting event. Everyone here is involved in creating various crafts, and it is really heart-warming.

Alina Asanalieva, fourth-year student of the Bachelor’s Programme in Economics:

— The atmosphere is cosy, everyone is having fun, playing games. I participated in all the activities: guessing cities, famous people, and books. Events like these make HSE University stand out. Every day feels like a holiday, and they help me relax between classes. Thank you, HSE, for this opportunity.

Taisiya Gavrishchuk, first-year student of the Master’s Programme in Pedagogy:

— I played the bayan here. I can play the piano, but the bayan was a completely different experience. You can’t even see the keys you are pressing. It was an unforgettable experience, and I absolutely loved it. I also tried playing the spoons and bells, which was also fun. My mood is positive and uplifting, and I really enjoy being here.