Buddy System ITMO

Hello! This is our monthly column where we get to know a language: its music, soul, and delicious words. We dive into culture through language 🥞

And right now — a perfect occasion! In Russia, these days mark Maslenitsa (16-22 February) — a bright, cheerful, and very tasty holiday bidding farewell to winter. It's the week before Lent, filled with folk festivities, round dances, and, most importantly, blini (pancakes).

A blin during Maslenitsa isn't just food. It's a symbol of the sun, shining brighter and warming stronger with each passing day. They are made in abundance with various fillings: sour cream, caviar, jam, or honey 😋

Here are a few words that capture the spirit of the holiday! ☀️

Maslenitsa ends with Forgiveness Sunday, when people ask forgiveness from loved ones for any offenses.

So if you want to feel the spirit of Russian Maslenitsa — make blini, invite guests, and share kind words. Or just learn this cozy word — blini! 🥹

Do you have any similar holidays for seeing off winter? Share in the comments!

Does Friday the 13th scare you? 😩

Yesterday was a date that is believed to bring bad luck in many countries. Forewarned is forearmed — so here are some of the most famous Russian superstitions and the creepy characters behind them.

And what about your culture? Share the scary omens and creatures you grew up with in the comments! 😋

#итмо #itmo

Hi there, it's The Weekender!💘

The most romantic day of the year, February 14, is coming to delight couples and terrify singles all over the planet. Yet we believe this day isn't just for lovers: everyone deserves to have a good time. Let this weekend be not just about romance, but about all kinds of love 💗
Swipe through the cards for ideas.

Date with the orchestra “Ensemble, Assemble!”
🕥February 14, 17:00
🎟 registration link

Organ in the Planetarium
🕥 February 14, 22:30
🎟 Tickets

Book Giving Day
🕛 February 14, 12:00 – 18:00
🎟 Free entry

"Way Home" Festival
🕛 February 14–15, 12:00 – 18:00
🎟 Free entry

#itmo #итмо

Ready to celebrate the end of winter with some delicious pancakes? 🥞

Buddy System ITMO invites you to a special event: Maslenitsa: history, traditions and taste. Discover the rich traditions of this Slavic holiday, take part in fun games, and enjoy a cozy tea party with blini! Come to learn, play, eat, and make the last winter celebration memorable!

📅 Date: February 15
⏰ Time: 17:00-20:00
📍 Location: ITMO University, room 1419

👉 Registration is required: https://forms.gle/SMJ45VBRumTNjJnY7

#itmo #итмо

Where to go this weekend in St.Petersburg? A question that might often buzz in your head.

Meet 'The Weekender', a new section to solve this very problem! Regularly we will compile the most relevant events, sharing our local favorites.

Today we've gathered a selection of
🧊open-air ice rinks🧊
to enjoy while the snow is still here and the frosty atmosphere lasts.

Rink at the Flagstaff
💙The world's largest ice rink, next to Gazprom Arena

Tickets | Address

New Holland
💅a stylish rink on a historic island

Open until March 15.
Tickets | Address

Sevcable Port
🌊A cozy rink with a view of the Gulf of Finland.

Open until March 15.
Tickets | Address

Brusnitsyn
💥A laser ice rink where your skate blades will glow thanks to special directed lighting.

Open until March 1.
Tickets | Address

#итмо #itmo

Hello! This is our monthly column where we explore a new language through its juiciest and most characteristic words. We dive into culture to understand how people think and feel 🍎

This time, let's explore Russian hospitality (гостеприимство - [gostepriimstvo]) — a phenomenon elevated to an art form. It's not just "welcome," but a whole philosophy of generosity and warmth.

Let's break it down with a few key words in the post! 🍎

What ties these words together? They all reject the idea of "rushing." True connection happens in its own time, over a shared table or a long conversation. This isn't just politeness; it's a fundamental need for душевность (dushevnost') — sincere, heartfelt contact. An unexpected guest is still a guest from God, and an empty table is almost a shame. To understand the Russian language is to understand this longing for a wide soul (shirokaya dusha), which is best expressed among friends at a warm feast (dushevnoe zastol'ye) 🧦

What is considered the highest form of hospitality in your language or culture? Share in the comments!👇