WASHINGTON (Sputnik), Leandra Bernstein — The Russian Embassy in Washington hosted its second annual celebration of Tatiana Day, honoring students, an event that is fast becoming one of the most popular social gatherings in DC, Russian Embassy officials told Sputnik.
"[The Tatiana Day Ball] has become one of the most popular social events in DC," Russian cultural attache Natalia Dementieva said at the Friday night ball.
She added that the Embassy was "happy to share this tradition with our American friends and out American partners."
The Friday celebration, traditionally celebrated on January 25, provided the occasion for the Russian embassy, in partnership with Russian Orthodox Church, to raise money for Russian-speaking children in need, primarily in Russia and Ukraine, but also in the United States and other part of the world.
The celebration featured traditional Russian singing, dancing, and ended with a modern mix of music and dancing that bridged the Russian and American cultures.
"In comparison with last year, we had had many more guests this year, and the organizers [of the event] informed us that they had a few hundred people on the waiting list," Russian Embassy head of communications Yuri Melnik stated. "People are interested in attending and contributing to this charity," he added.
Tatiana Day was originally established in 1755 when Empress Elizabeth, daughter of Peter the Great, signed a decree establishing a University in Moscow. In modern times, the day has become widely celebrated by Russia’s millions of students, as it marks the end of winter exams and the start of a two-week winter vacation.
The Washington Embassy event was postponed from its original date, January 25, due to the winter storm Jonas.
