A lively atmosphere, exciting competitions, and authentic Carnival traditions characterized the morning programme of the Interactive Russian Day organized by the Institute of Slavic Studies, where secondary school students studying Russian immersed themselves in the world of the Russian language and folk customs.
Photos from the event are available here:
https://unideb.hu/photoalbum/album?id=r6281013
Accompanied by their teachers, students from Debrecen, Miskolc, and Szolnok took part in a full day of engaging and memorable activities. During the programme, participants expanded their knowledge of Russian Carnival traditions while practising Russian pronunciation and taking part in a playful language competition, where beginner and advanced learners worked together in teams and tested their skills.
One of the most exciting moments of the competition was undoubtedly the creative “living picture” activity, in which the teams recreated the atmosphere of the Russian Maslenitsa festival through short and humorous performances.
The improvised stories brought to life traditional pancake making, the farewell to winter, the symbolic burning of the Maslenitsa effigy, and the joyful spirit of folk games. Students confidently incorporated Russian expressions such as блины, Масленица, зять, тёща, чучело, and Бог прости! into their performances, while some groups presented their scenes entirely in Russian, making the experience even more authentic.
The jury evaluated the performances based on content, creativity, and use of the Russian language, although the greatest reward was perhaps the audience's laughter and enthusiastic applause. The presentations were both imaginative and entertaining.
We would like to thank the students and their Russian language teachers for joining us and making the Interactive Russian Day such a memorable event:
- Földes Ferenc Practice Secondary School of the University of Miskolc, represented by Dr. Krisztina Kovács Kissné;
- Svetits Catholic Kindergarten, Primary School, Secondary School and Dormitory, represented by József Gál;
- Varga Katalin Secondary School of Szolnok, represented by Dr. Krisztina Csatlós.
We look forward to welcoming them again and warmly invite all other secondary schools whose students learn Russian to participate in our future events.
In the afternoon, the programme continued at the Russian Centre, where a colourful performance by the Russian folk preservation and dance ensemble “Skatulacska” created a festive atmosphere. The performers brought to life the joyful community celebration of Maslenitsa, traditionally observed during the week preceding the Orthodox Great Lent before Easter.
The programme, dedicated to bidding farewell to winter and welcoming spring, evoked the colourful world of Maslenitsa. A welcoming poem and a playful quiz were followed by a short presentation, communal singing and dancing, and traditional folk games, all of which filled the venue with joy and laughter.
The success of the event was made possible thanks to Éva Fórián, the initiator and chief organizer of the programme; Dr. Krisztina Kovács Kissné and Dr. Nava Vanda Sahverdova, organizers of the morning activities; Larisa Balló and Dr. Angelika Molnár, who ensured the success of the afternoon programme; the performers; the students and teachers for their active participation; and all our students who prepared Russian culinary specialties, including blini, or assisted with the organization together with Ferenc Váradi, administrative officer of the Institute.
It was a wonderful day, and we look forward to repeating it!