We all really miss big international events – sport competitions, music festivals, global exhibitions. COVID-19 made us stay at home for the whole 2020. But this year with the pandemic hopefully going to its end, we are expecting UEFA EURO 2020 to be held in St. Petersburg with fans allowed at the stadium! However, big events in Russia are always surrounded by many myths. Russia seems to be a closed country and people around the world sometimes don’t know what to expect.
In fact, there is nothing to worry about, the only things you should expect are fun, joy and welcoming atmosphere. So let’s remember the brightest international events in Russia!
FIFA World Cup 2018
In 2018 the biggest world football event took place in Russia. The matches were held in many Russian cities – Moscow, St. Petersburg, Kaliningrad, and many others. Russia showed itself as a great host – football ticket holders could enter the country without a Russian visa, only having their Fan IDs, and could have free train tickets to move around the country and get to the matches on time and with comfort. Many people, including volunteers, worked on the event to make sure it goes smoothly both for football teams and football fans. All World Cup guests remember this friendly and unique atmosphere of an international football festival – fans of different teams all were real friends, no matter which team they supported. In their turn, Russians were really helpful and friendly and showed true hospitality. Russia was really proud to hold such a significant event and did a great job!
Olympic Games in Sochi 2014
In 2014 Russia hosted one of the main world sport events – the Winter Olympic Games. The event took place in a beautiful city called Sochi situated on the shore of the Black Sea. Russia put many efforts into preparations that started many years prior to the event. Many world-class level sports facilities were built in Sochi, so sportsmen and fans could enjoy the Games and their stay in Russia. Many people, including the volunteer team, worked hard preparing and holding the event.
And if you watched the beautiful opening ceremony, you probably even remember a catchy Russian song “Not gonna get us” (Нас не догонят), featured by Tatu band. The atmosphere at Olympic Games is always unique, this is a real ode to sport and human abilities. The Games in Sochi were no exception and all guests of the Games and sports fans remember this event with warmth and gratitude.
Eurovision Song Contest in Moscow 2009
In 2008 a Russian singer Dima Bilan won Eurovision with the song “Believe”. This was the first time Russia ever took first place in this contest and was really proud to hold the Eurovision. The Contest took place in Moscow in 2009, in Olimpiysky Arena. This was a huge event for Russia that never hosted Eurovision before. The arrangers did their best to hold this event according to international standards and that was great! Russia proved that it can host world Music events of such level and all the music lovers who came to the festival were really satisfied.
This year Russia will be one of the hosts of UEFA Euro 2020 that was postponed due to the pandemic. According to the news, half-full stadiums are expected. We do hope that by June 2021 with ongoing successful vaccination even these restrictions won’t be required.
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