March 8th is International Women’s Day and we’re marking the occasion with a blog celebrating the life of Valentina Tereshkova, who turns 80 on March 6th. Tereshkova holds the distinction of being the first woman in space, having been selected…
The fall of the Russian Monarchy
Russia, a hundred years ago. Times were hard. Severe food and fuel shortages had led to rationing. Rampant inflation decimated the value of the rouble, wiping out its buying power. There was widespread discontent. Strikes in what was then Petrograd’s factories were…
The Hermitage celebrates its 165th birthday!
Whether you’re an art lover or not, there’s no denying that the Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg houses one of the most incredible collections of art on the planet. Not only is it one of the largest museums in the…
The world’s enduring love affair with Swan Lake
140 years ago this February, Tchaikovsky’s glorious ballet Swan Lake premiered at Moscow’s Bolshoi Theatre. Based loosely on a Russian folk tale, the story follows a princess named Odette who was cursed and turned into a swan. Tchaikovsky’s score is…
Can’t wait until next year? Celebrate Christmas again on January 7th!
Just as the Christmas decorations are coming down across the UK, Russia prepares for its own Christmas. If you’re the kind of person whose spirits sink lower with every bauble that you pack away, then we’d recommend you join us…