Eastern Europe Lecture Notes Review

Flashcards highlighting key vocabulary terms, festivals, cultural traditions, and tourism initiatives in Eastern Europe, including Russia, Poland, and Czechia

Eastern Europe

A region in the eastern part of the European continent, made up of 10 countries, known for its diverse cultures, languages, and religious traditions.

Minsk

The capital of Belarus

Sofia

The capital of Bulgaria

Prague

The capital of Czech Republic

Budapest

The capital of Hungary

Warsaw

The capital of Poland

Chisinau

The capital of Moldova

Bucharest

The capital of Romania

Bratislava

The capital of Slovakia

Kyiv

The capital of Ukraine

Kielbasa

A traditional smoked sausage made from seasoned pork or pork-beef blend, eaten grilled, boiled, or fried, often with sauerkraut or mustard.

Goulash

A hearty stew made from beef, onions, bell peppers, and paprika. Often served with noodles or bread and is Hungary’s national dish

Draniki

A national dish of Belarus. Potato pancakes made from grated potatoes, onions, and eggs, pan-fried until crispy. Often served with sour cream.

Borscht

A vibrant beet-based soup made with beets, cabbage, potatoes, and carrots. Often served with sour cream and dark rye bread; a staple comfort dish in many Slavic countries.

Pelmeni

Small, round dumplings filled with minced meat and spices, boiled and served with butter, broth, or sour cream, it is a staple of Russian cuisine.

Blini

Thin, pancake-like crepes served with a variety of toppings such as caviar, smoked salmon, jam, or sour cream; eaten on both ordinary and festive occasions

Discover Russia

A national tourism brand launched in 2024 to promote Russia as a top tourism destination and attract visitors from countries considered friendly by the Russian government. It unites all Russian regions under a single tourism identity, highlighting the country’s rich culture, history, and diverse natural landscapes.

Sarafan

A loosely fitting long jumper dress worn over a long linen shirt and belted. They were made from homespun linen or inexpensive printed cotton produced in the large textile factories of Moscow, Ivanovo and Vladimir regions

Poneva

A woolen wrap-around skirt traditionally worn by married women in southern Russia. The poneva was also paired with a belt and apron and served as an indicator of a woman’s marital status.

Rubakha

A traditional Russian shirt, typically made of linen or cotton, with a simple, straight cut worn untucked over pants, often belted at the waist. A common variation of this is the kosovorotka.

Kaftan

A long, buttoned coat made of wool or heavy fabric, sometimes belted and layered, especially in colder climates.

Orthodox Christmas

Celebrated on January 7 and preceded by a 40- day fast, marked on January 6 with a festive meal featuring 12 symbolic dishes, including Kutia, a sweet grain dish symbolizing unity and abundance.

Maslenitsa

Also known as Pancake Week, this joyful and vibrant Russian festival marks the end of winter and the arrival of spring. The celebration originally served as a memorial to the dead, where the burning of the Maslenitsa effigy symbolized a funeral rite, and blini were offered like koliva, a ritual food for the dead.

Winter Festival

A month-long vibrant festival, with Moscow leading the festivities. Key attractions include troika sleigh rides, ice sculptures, cultural performances, and traditional food stalls.

Moscow Kremlin and Red Square

A fortified complex housing the President’s official residence, cathedrals, and museums, while Red Square is a large, open square located adjacent to the Kremlin. Both are integral parts of Moscow's history and are considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site together.

The State Hermitage Museum

One of the largest and oldest art museums in the world, it houses over 3 million works of art and artifacts. The opulent Winter Palace, once the home of Russian emperors, is part of the museum.

Baikal Harbour Project

To develop a world-class and eco-friendly tourism zone around Lake Baikal, the deepest and oldest freshwater lake on Earth.

Silver Necklace of Russia

To highlight Russia’s rich cultural heritage, from ancient cities and churches to fortresses and traditional crafts, while promoting sustainable tourism in less-visited regions.

Poland. More than you expected.”

Launched in late 2021 by the Polish Tourism Organization, the campaign aims to reshape the international image of Poland by highlighting the country’s rich diversity, cultural depth, and surprising attractions that many travelers may not immediately associate with it.

Zupan

A long, inner robe or tunic made of fine fabric like silk or wool, buttoned down the front and worn close to the body.

Kontusz

Worn over the żupan, it is a long, decorative outer robe with wide sleeves that were often thrown back over the shoulders.

Zupan-style Gown

A long, loose-fitting gown often inspired by traditional Eastern European or Slavic garments, made of wool or other natural fabrics.

Kontusik

A traditional, fur-lined coat worn by women, particularly as part of Polish noble or folk attire. The kontusik was made from luxurious fabrics and adorned with lace or other embellishments, adding to its elegance and charm.

Juvenalia

A beloved student festival in Poland, celebrated annually by university students before their summer exams, typically in May or early June. The tradition began in the 15th century in Kraków and has since expanded across the country, becoming a nationwide celebration of youth, freedom, and the academic spirit.

Dozynki

Poland’s traditional harvest festival, celebrated in late summer to mark the end of the farming season and give thanks for a bountiful harvest. Rooted in 16th-century traditions and even older pagan customs, Dożynki honors both the hard work of farmers and the blessings of nature.

Wianki

Also known as Midsummer Night Festival, a vibrant festival celebrated around the summer solstice, particularly in Kraków, with deep roots in ancient Slavic traditions. The festival, which has its origins in Kupala Night, celebrates the arrival of summer with symbolic acts such as floating wreaths on the water.

Historic Centre of Kraków

Poland's former capital, was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1978. Situated at the foot of Wawel Castle, this 13th- century merchant town boasts Europe’s largest market square and one of the continent’s oldest universities, Jagiellonian University.

Wieliczka and Bochnia Royal Salt Mines

Operational since the 13th century, are Europe’s oldest salt mines with royal status. These historic mines, along with Wieliczka Saltworks Castle, showcase the development of mining techniques over the centuries. The mines feature hundreds of kilometers of galleries, underground chapels, and statues sculpted from salt.

Cooperation–Innovation–Sustainable Tourism Project

To strengthen Poland’s tourism sector by promoting sustainable practices and fostering innovation.

SLOWHOP

To promote slow and sustainable tourism. Its primary goal is to connect travelers with authentic, nature- immersive experiences and unique accommodations offered by local hosts.

VisitCzechia

The official tourism branding campaign launched by the Czech Tourist Authority (CzechTourism) in 2023. The campaign aims to promote Czechia as a modern, vibrant, and diverse travel destination.

Kroj for Men

A white linen shirt, an embroidered vest or waistcoat, a sash tied around the waist, and dark trousers tucked into high leather boots

Kroj for Women

A full, pleated or bell-shaped skirt with an apron, a white blouse with puffed sleeves, and a fitted lace-up bodice or vest. The clothing is often decorated with floral or geometric embroidery in bright colors

Prague Spring International Music Festival

The oldest and most prestigious classical music festival in the Czech Republic, held annually from May to June since 1946

Bohemian Carnevale

A vibrant traditional carnival celebration in the Czech Republic, typically held between January 6 (Three Kings Day) and Ash Wednesday, celebrated especially in February, the festival brings Prague to life with colorful masks, elaborate historical costumes, and joyful parades.

Karlovy Vary International Film Festival

Held every July in the picturesque spa town of Karlovy Vary. A largest and most prestigious film festival in the Czech Republic, and a key cultural event in Central and Eastern Europe.

Prague Castle

The largest ancient castle complex in the world and one of the Czech Republic's most iconic landmarks.

Český Krumlov

The second-largest castle complex in the Czech Republic after Prague Castle

Šumava National Park Ecotourism Initiatives

Dedicated to the conservation of its unique biodiversity and natural landscapes while promoting responsible and sustainable tourism.

Prague-Vienna Greenways

Aims to connect the cities of Prague and Vienna through a sustainable network of trails designed for hiking, cycling, and boating.