Russian children, as well as children from multi-cultural families living in Malta had a special treat on 13 December. This was a New Year party which, obviously, is a great favourite with kids all over the world. This celebration, which was held at the Tchaikovsky Hall of the Russian Centre for Science and Culture, would not have been complete without a fleeting visit from Ded Moroz and Snegurochka (The Russian equivalent of Santa Claus and Snow Maiden). To give this celebration a Russian flavour, the Russian Centre has for the first time in its existence invited to Malta a couple of professional actors from Moscow. These were Mr Sergey Stansky, an actor from the Nikitsky Gates Theatre, who impersonated Ded Moroz, and Ms Tatiana Solntseva, an actress from the Theatre of the Moon, who played the part of Snegurochka.

Originally only one party had been planned. However the demand from children who wished to participate far exceeded the number of seats available at the Tchaikovsky Hall of the RCSC. Therefore it was decided to organize two parties instaed of one, with about two hundred and fifty guests attending.

The tradition of celebrating the New Year in Russia always includes beautiful performances for children. This time the kids had an great fun with Ded Moroz and his grand-daughter, Snegurochka, singing and dancing with the kids and making a merry-go-round under the Christmas tree.

Beautifully dressed in costumes of Snow Queen, Bunny, Prince and many other characters from famous fairy tales, the kids eagerly awaited the climax of the celebration. The action started with Snegurochka’s performance. The children were dancing, clapping and reeling to the accompaniment of their favourite merry melodies while travelling on the imaginary train to meet Ded Moroz.

The highlight of the evening was the meeting with Ded Moroz. Produced by interactive programmes, the games were very successful. The children were reciting poetry, dancing and singing. Surprisingly there were was no language problem. The guests noticed that the children of the Russian-speaking residents as well as those of the multicultural families could communicate easily through fluent English. During the party, young soloists Anna and Lisa Uzilevskiye performed with a group of gymnasts led by Evelina Batiy. The show was prepared by Elena Vella, the manager of Ritmika Sports Club.

The professionalism and creativity of the actors made these parties a real success. Both the adults and the children expressed the hope that this event would become a regular fixture in the calendar of events

Before distributing the presents to the young guests at the end of the party, Ded Moroz wished one and all a Happy New Year.