CulturalFest Countdown: Learn more about Russia, Belarus and Ukraine!

Join over 2,000 students, local community members, and elementary school students in travelling the world in a day at FIUTS CulturalFest International Expo on February 10th, 2017!

Spend the day experiencing the cultures of over 40 countries - the Expo features booths developed and staffed by student volunteers from all over the world! The event is free and open to the public.

The Expo is THIS Friday, as we feature blog posts about different regions and countries that will be represented. Read on to learn three fun facts about Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine!

Russia Fact #1: the Russian Federation spans over 11 time zones!

Russia is the largest country in the world! It is 1.8 times the size of the U.S. and spans over 11 time zones. The country has coasts on 3 oceans (Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic) and borders: Azerbaijan, Belarus, China, Estonia, Finland, Georgia, Kazakhstan, North Korea, Latvia, Lithuania, Mongolia, Norway, Poland, and Ukraine.

Belarus Fact #2: The name Belarus means “White Russia”!

The term "White Russia" is traceable to the 14th century, but the provenance of the name is unknown. There are several theories, including the idea that "White Rus" refers to the parts of Russia that were never conquered by the Tatars or Mongols.

Ukraine Fact #3: Painting Easter eggs is a popular activity in Ukrainian culture!

Ukrainian Easter eggs are called “pysanka”, which means “to write”. The eggs are often decorated with intricate traditional or modern designs by using a “wax-resist” method. The art of egg decorating dates back to the pre-Christian era. Each design of the egg represents a symbol or a moment in history.

Come to the 2017 CulturalFest International Expo to find out more fun facts about the cultures around our globe! Open and free to the public:

Friday, February 10, 2016

10:30 AM-3:00 PM

University of Washington

Husky Union Building (HUB) Ballrooms (2nd Floor)