If you are an avid football fan, the wait is nearly getting over! It’s finally time to give your full attention to the pitch. The FIFA World Cup to be held in Russia from June 14 to July 15, 2018 will be a treat to behold. It comes around once every four years but captures the hearts, mind, and sleep of millions worldwide like no other event. Let’s visit Russia and take a glance at different aspects of one of football’s biggest event.

Russia – a land of incomparable beauty

Russia is the largest country in the world with the longest national border. Russia is bounded by 12 seas of the Atlantic, Arctic and Pacific Oceans. Lake Baikal-the oldest, deepest and purest lake on earth containing over one-fifth of the world’s fresh surface water, and the Volga-the longest river in Europe, are both situated in Russia. It is so vast that it spans across 11 of the Earth’s 24 standard time zones. While Russians in Vladivostok sit down for their evening meals, those in Kaliningrad are waking up to the sun’s morning rays.

The official language is Russian but there are 27 other languages co-official in various regions throughout the country. There are over 160 different ethnic groups and indigenous peoples in Russia. These ethnic groups have distinctive traditions regarding folk music. Typical ethnic Russian musical instruments are balalaika and garmoshka. Russian Folk culture is represented in handicrafts like the Dymkovo toys (moulded painted clay figures of people and animals) and palekh miniature (tempera paints on varnished articles made of papier-mâché). And ethnic Russian clothes include kaftan for men, while the women wear a long, trapezoidal jumper dress called sarafan.

Russians love their folk holidays, which are a time for festivities generally including street carnivals and traditional food. Vodka, which is the national drink of Russia accompanies many family meals and special occasions. And one of Russia’s most exquisite delicacies is caviar. Russian ballet theatres remain the most famous in the world. Classical music which was at its peak during the late 19th & early 20th century with world-renowned composers like Tchaikovsky and Stravinsky is still highly regarded. Attending an orchestra or ballet will definitely prove to be a once in a lifetime experience.

The Host City Official Look – a city’s unique signature look

Pic Credits: russiatrek.org

The eleven host cities get to symbolically demonstrate their own cultural values, architectural features, and natural beauty to the world through the Host City Official Look. Iconic elements were taken from local architecture and monuments, coats of arms and the surrounding flora and fauna when creating the symbolic compositions to depict the city. These will be used to promote the City, decorate the stadiums and in merchandising official products. The Host City Official Look is a Russian innovation in the history of FIFA World Cup hosting. In previous competitions, the Host Cities would only be portrayed by their Logo on posters. So be ready to splurge your money on those mementos. Besides being ideal as personal collectibles, they will come in handy as gifts for friends and families.

The Bolshoi Theatre, St. Basil’s Cathedral, Yuri Gagarin’s Monument and the Kremlin Spasskaya Tower are chosen for Moscow’s signature style.  Volvograd is depicted by the monumental The Motherland Calls statue, the Fire Tower, The Volga River, and Russia’s high-quality fish – Russian Sturgeon, Beluga, and Sterlet. One can identify Kaliningrad by the Konigsberg Cathedral. Samara is represented by the Soyuz spacecraft that was built in the city.  Kazan is symbolized by the mythological winged dragon the Zilant.

Posters of the host cities – portraying a city’s identity

Pic Credits: russiatrek.org

11 posters have been designed that highlight the individual characteristics of the host cities and reflect their connection with the upcoming tournament.

The breath-taking series use the iconography, colours, and unique style of the country’s art and design to bring alive something unique and action-packed about each locale. A tiger is the main focus on Kazan’s World Cup poster, while a bird is wrapped around a football in Saransk’s World Cup poster. Sochi highlights their arctic conditions, while an imitation footballer appears in Kaliningrad’s poster. You can also identify Saint Petersburg by Peter the Great Monument, Ekaterinburg by Ural mountains, Nizhny Novgorod by its Kremlin, Rostov-on-Don by the Memorial Stele, Sochi by the Black Sea and Saransk by Ushakov Cathedral.

These posters will be used by host cities for all official events. But they are definite memorabilia, whether you will be attending the tournament, are a fan of the beautiful game, or are simply a soccer fanatic looking for a valuable display piece for your wall and collection.

The FIFA Fan Fest – every fan’s alternate delight

Pic Credits: flickr.com

The FIFA Fan Fest is a free access opportunity for the public to watch the World Cup matches, enjoying a truly Russian experience. The FIFA Fan Fest will take place in all 11 Host Cities and on selected dates and venues fans can even get the chance to meet the Official Ambassadors and football icons Aleksandr Kerzhakov (Russia) and Marcel Desailly (France). Fans can watch live-broadcast of all matches on giant screens at designated venues, surrounded by thousands of other passionate fans from across the globe. Exciting music, cultural entertainment, and local food & beverage stalls await fans, besides official stores with licensed FIFA World Cup products. Fans can take photos, get an autograph and even play football at one of the football pitches.

Moscow: Vorobyovy Gory (Sparrow Hills). Located next to the main building of Lomonosov Moscow State University it provides a spectacular view down the hill, directly towards the Luzhniki Stadium and Moscow City. Public events, such as concerts and festivals are usually held here and it is a proven sightseeing spot.

Saint Petersburg: Konyushennaya Square. Located in the heart of the city, the square took its name from the Main Imperial Stables at its northern side. Next to the Square is the Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood, Hermitage museum, and Palace square.

It’s worth getting to know all about Russia, its Host cities and FIFA World Cup 2018. Experience the best of this vibrant and colourful nation, while enjoying world-class games at the diverse destinations. Plan your travels with Travco Holidays, so you can have the trip of a lifetime!