Language
Name a country apart from Russia that recognizes Russian as an official language (not de facto official or regional)
Belarus
Kazakhstan
Kyrgyzstan
This bear and a curious little girl became one of Russia’s most internationally famous cartoons, known for its episode “Don’t Wake Up Till Spring.”
Маша и Медведь (Masha and the Bear)
This Russian poet wrote the epic poem “Ruslan and Lyudmila” (Руслан и Людмила), was born into Russian nobility, and died after dueling a French officer named Georges d’Anthes, who was rumored to be having an affair with his wife.
Alexander Pushkin
Which hat of Russian origin stems from the Russian world for “ear,” as its flaps cover the ears to protect them from the cold?
Ushanka
Because of the Soviet push against religion, many Russians still celebrate the Christmas traditions of opening presents on this holiday instead.
New Years
Which letter is pronounced as "ы" when it follows the letter "ш" or "ж"?
The letter и
This 1969 cartoon follows a clumsy but kind crocodile who plays the accordion and sings “Пусть бегут неуклюже…” (“Let the clumsy ones run…”).
Крокодил Гена (from Чебурашка)
Crocodile Gena
Who wrote War and Peace?
Leo Tolstoy
Which Soviet singer is often regarded as the “Queen of Soviet Pop,” and sang songs like “White Door,” (Белая Дверь), “This World,” (Этот Мир), and “A Million Scarlet Roses” (Миллион Алых Роз)?
Alla Pugacheva
An ancient part of Russian tradition, going here is an act of cleanliness, as you sit in a sauna/steam room before rinsing off with cold water in this place.
Banya
What is the grammatical gender of most Russian nouns ending in “-a” or “-я”?
Feminine
This stop-motion animation tells the story of a little boy whose toy soldier comes to life, symbolizing imagination and childhood innocence.
Мальчик и Танк or Мальчик и Карлсон
(Boy and Tank)
Which Russian playwright wrote The Cherry Orchard and The Seagull?
Anton Chekhov
What popular Russian beverage is made from fermented rye bread?
Kvass
What flower is often associated with mourning and never given in even numbers in Russia?
Carnations
What is the meaning of the Russian word “toska”, famously described by Vladimir Nabokov?
A deep, spiritual sadness or longing with no exact English equivalent.
This classic children’s comedy show, whose name means “mishmash” in Russian, featured short humorous sketches about everyday life and often served as a launching pad for future Russian actors.
Ералаш (Yeralash)
What was the name of the dynasty that ruled Russia before the Romanovs?
The Rurik Dynasty
What annual celebration marks the beginning of Lent in Russian culture, featuring pancakes and bonfires?
Maslenitsa
What holiday is celebrated on January 7th according to the Orthodox Christian calendar?
Russian Orthodox Christmas
Name 3 ways of saying both "hello" and "goodbye" in Russian
Hello: Привет, здравствуй(те), алло, салют, ку-ку, доброе утро, добрый день, …
Goodbye: До свидания, пока, прощай, всего доброго, увидимся, …
This Russian children's cartoon is about a kind-hearted doctor who heals sick animals and whose name literally translates to “Ouch-It-Hurts.”
Doctor Ay-Bolit / Доктор Ай-Болит
Which Russian poet was exiled for his revolutionary writings and is considered the father of modern Russian literature?
Alexander Pushkin
This famous Russian folk dance, known for its energetic squatting kicks and acrobatic moves, originated among Cossack soldiers and later became a symbol of Russian national pride on stage.
Казачок (Kazachok) or Hopak
What ritual involves offering bread and salt to guests as a sign of hospitality?
Bread and salt ceremony (Хлеб-соль)