The end of December 2025 became a bright and memorable event in the lives of international students, as a large-scale Christmas concert took place within the walls of Samara University. From the very first minutes, everyone was greeted with a warm welcome, a festive atmosphere, and many pleasant surprises. However, the mood was created not only by the magical hall decorations, adorned with garlands, Christmas tree ornaments, and snowflakes, but also by the special energy of the gathered guests. Students exchanged smiles, anticipating the rich program of the evening.
A special highlight of the concert was the meeting with Ded Moroz, the symbol of the New Year and winter holidays. He came to congratulate all participants and present well-deserved diplomas to the winners and active participants of the recent Ethnic Festival, where everyone had the opportunity to showcase their creative initiative and love for their country's traditions!
The event was accompanied by a generous buffet, with competitions offering pleasant prizes. Students shared not only delicious delicacies but also interesting stories about their national customs and Christmas traditions. This created a warm and friendly atmosphere conducive to open exchange of experiences and ideas.
The program also included specially prepared contests and games for the participants. Among them was a competition to guess New Year's songs, where the audience and participants enthusiastically identified popular tunes from different countries. Simultaneously, New Year traditions were discussed: some shared about Catholic Christmas with its Christmas markets, while others talked about New Year customs in Asia or Africa. These stories brought the participants even closer, helping them understand the nuances of each other's cultural heritage.
The guests' attention was captured by a segment dedicated to dance skills: students danced to the rhythms of different countries—from vibrant Latin American salsa and African beats to European folk dances. These performances delighted the audience and fostered an atmosphere of mutual respect and friendship among representatives of different cultures.
One of the favorite parts of the program was the tradition of making a wish at the stroke of midnight. Participants made their most cherished wishes. We believe that in the New Year 2026, every wish made is destined to come true!
The evening culminated in a lively disco that chased away the last remnants of the winter day's chill and gloom. The sounds of favorite hits united everyone present in a shared dance, filling the space with joy and good spirits.
The 2025 Christmas concert was not just a celebration but a true manifestation of friendship, culture, and mutual respect. It once again proved that holidays in the international student community are not only about traditions and customs but also an opportunity for joint creativity, exchange of experiences, and strengthening intercultural ties. Such an evening will surely remain in the memory of all participants.
Text by Regina Dremova
