New Year’s Eve: Half of Russia Stays Up Past Midnight

Russians Ring in New Year with Tradition, TV, and a Side of Mayonnaise

A new survey reveals that most Russians plan a quiet New Year’s Eve at home, steeped in nostalgia for Soviet-era entertainment and culinary traditions – even those they secretly dislike. The findings, jointly released by VTB and Vedomosti, paint a picture of a nation prioritizing comfort and familiar rituals as they usher in the new year.

A Nation Stays In

The vast majority – 69% – of Russians intend to celebrate New Year’s at home,according to the survey. Interestingly, a significant portion, 41%, plan to be asleep shortly after the clock strikes midnight. While a festive atmosphere is anticipated for many, the data suggests a preference for low-key celebrations. Approximately one in four respondents are organizing a home gathering with food and drinks, while 11% plan to dance and 7.5% will enjoy singing songs with a guitar. A small minority, 5%, will be working on December 31st.

Did you know? – New Year’s is the most important holiday in Russia, celebrated more widely than the Orthodox Christmas in January. It’s a time for family, gift-giving, and reflecting on the past year.

Television Remains a Central Tradition

Television will be a dominant force on the evening of December 31st, with 77% of Russians planning to tune in. Nostalgia plays a key role in viewing choices, as 34.4% intend to watch Soviet films. the iconic “blue Light” variety show will capture the attention of 29%, and 13.5% will opt for concerts featuring retro stars. The tradition continues into New Year’s Day, with many respondents planning to watch “The Irony of Fate, or Enjoy Your Bath!” and other beloved films.

The New Year’s Table: A Labor of Love (and Mayonnaise)

Preparing for the New Year’s feast is a significant undertaking for many. 38% of Russians will dedicate three to five hours to table planning on December 31st, while 21.5% anticipate spending an entire day in the kitchen. A third will opt for a lighter approach,taking one to two hours to prepare simple snacks. Convenience is limited, with only 8% planning to utilize ready-to-eat food delivery services.

Perhaps the most striking finding concerns the ubiquitous presence of traditional mayonnaise salads. an astonishing 90% of Russians will have them on their New year’s tables, despite the fact that 60% of respondents consider them unhealthy. Only 29.1% actively enjoy these dishes, and those choosing to forgo mayonnaise altogether are 3.5 times less numerous than those who embrace it. This suggests a powerful cultural attachment to tradition,even when personal preferences lean elsewhere.

Reader question – Why do you think traditions, even those considered unhealthy, persist so strongly in New Year’s celebrations? Share your thoughts!

Here’s a substantive news report based on the provided content, answering the “Why, Who, What, and How” questions:

Why: Russians are prioritizing comfort, nostalgia, and tradition as they approach the New Year, even if it means indulging in foods they perceive as unhealthy or opting for quiet celebrations at home. This is highly likely a response to ongoing societal changes and a desire for stability.

Who: The survey, conducted by VTB and Vedomosti, involved Russian citizens across the country. The findings represent the preferences and plans of the Russian population as a whole.

What: A new survey reveals that 69% of Russians plan to celebrate New Year’s Eve at home, with a significant portion (41%) intending to be asleep shortly after midnight.Television, notably Soviet films and the “Blue Light” show, will be central to the evening for 77% of the population. Remarkably,90% of Russians will