November 18th is the
birthday of Ded Moroz, a traditional Slavic character similar to Santa Claus.
On this special day, Russian children send congratulations to a special post
office built for the occasion or travel to Veliky Ustyug to attend celebrations
thrown in Ded Moroz’s honor. The beloved Ded Moroz, known in English as
Grandfather Frost or Father Frost, traditionally celebrates his birthday in
Veliky Ustyug. The town in northern Russia has been Ded Moroz’s home since 1998
and numerous relatives come to congratulate the beloved man on his special day.
Santa Claus from Finland, Chiskhan from Yakutia, Pakkayne from Karelia, and
Snegurochka from Kostroma all pay a visit on November 18th. Ded Moroz delivers
presents in person and children may visit him all year long He also goes on
tour and visit not only towns and cities of Russia. After his birthday
celebrations this year, Father Frost will also visit Germany, France, and
several countries in the Former Soviet Union.
