Celebrate Slavic New Year at Multnomah County Library

New Year’s Eve is recognized on December 31 in many places around the world, with New Year’s Day on January 1. At Multnomah County Library, Slavic New Year (Новый Год) is celebrated every year with events and activities planned by the library’s Russian-speaking team. The word “Slavic” is added to the beginning of the phrase to identify countries with Russian-speaking communities and honor their traditions.

On January 12, we're thrilled to invite you to a special Slavic New Year celebration at Midland Library featuring music and theater performances, group holiday poster coloring and more. Bring the whole family — kids at the celebration get a free book!

Slavic New Year celebrations “unite diverse Russian-speaking communities,” says Marina Nersesian, Russian program specialist senior. “The new Midland Library is open after renovation, and we would like to see all of our Russian-speaking communities join the celebration in this new beautiful building.”

Multnomah County Library’s Russian-speaking team includes people from various countries, like Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Ukraine and more. “New staff have joined our Russian-speaking team at Holgate, Rockwood and Midland,” shares Nersesian. “I would like our patrons to come to libraries to meet these amazing people on our team!”

Slavic New Year marks the beginning of the year with promises of a better and happier life. Celebrations include decorating the New Year tree — a pine tree garnished with toys, plastic snowflakes, chocolate figures and garlands — as well as dinners with family and friends, featuring delicious signature dishes that vary across communities. 

Ded Moroz (Grandfather Frost) and his granddaughter Snegurochka (a girl made of snow also called Snow Maiden) are well-known in New Year celebrations as the gift givers of the season.

Although there are similarities in the way New Year is celebrated in former USSR countries, each country has its distinct festivities. In Multnomah County, the library is a place where members of Russian-speaking communities can unite to keep their cultural heritage alive through conversation and celebration.

Looking for materials in other languages? Let us know.