KEEP CALM AND LOVE SNOW!

International annual contest of ice and snow sculptures in Petrozavodsk

While looking for a perfect Russian language course in Russia we pay attention not only to professionalism of Russian tutors but also to the eventful and interesting life of the Russian city we are going to stay. In February Karelian city of Petrozavodsk becomes the cultural and international center which gathers together people from the whole Republic and different countries. Traditional Russian and Karelian songs and dance styles, sport competitions, exhibitions and workshops – that is how the Contest of Hyperborea gained its’ popularity. Joining this colorful event makes learning Russian in Petrozavodsk thrilling, mysterious and wonderful!

Blowing off the snowflakes from Karelian legends and Russian history

When Russian people live with snow for that long (in Petrozavodsk – from November till April) they take it as an advantage and become very creative. “Let’s turn the massive snow cubes into masterpieces” they say. More than 100 participants create about 35 great stories and monuments with no regrets that they are in danger of melting. Artists come from Italy, France and Spain, Norway, Finland and Sweden, Belarus and Kazakhstan, Canada and the United States. The fact that some of them are professional sculptor does not play any role, because their material is snow and ice! Participants are given only one week to turn the giant ice/snow cube (there are two nominations and they can choose the material to work with) into the live story and after that the jury and Petrozavodsk citizens decide on the best one.

It is really difficult to decide what impress you more, artists or their masterpieces while you take a walk on the Onego lake embankment in February. The process of creation is so magnificent – you may see here Russian fairy tales’ characters coming to life and you feel the synergy of human being and Mother Nature. You can find here the scenes out of Karelian and Finnish national epic Kalevala, animals, outrageous and surreal characters.

It is like blowing off the snowflakes from legends and history: more time master spends with his creation, the more snow goes away. And every year artists bring to life new and extraordinary ideas.

What keeps people warm in the gloomy Karelian weather?

• To let people of Petrozaavodsk fully enjoy the Festival organizers do their best:
• They cook Fish soup – about 200 liters!
• Arrange Fishermen contest and fire show;
• Invite people of all ages to participate in ice-race called “Ice Onego”;
• Organize workshops and exhibitions, compete in songs singing and outdoor Karelian games

Join Enjoy Russian group course in February  or choose an individual one and you will see (and feel) that Hyperborea is the coolest event ever!