Eastern Europe

Krakow's Wawel Castle surrounded by autumn foliage

7 Best Places to See Fall Colors in Eastern Europe

Fall is a beautiful time to visit the region of Central and Eastern Europe. You’ll find that cities are less crowded and restaurants begin to offer more hearty fare. The heat of summer gives way to cooler temperatures. But it’s when you step into the region’s natural landscapes that you’ll understand that the months of …

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Mountains and sea coast in Crotaia in the Balkan region

The Baltics and Balkans: What’s the Difference?

Many people confuse the Baltic region and the Balkans. However, the two areas of Europe are very different. Learn the difference between the Baltics and Balkans—as well as some similarities between the two. Please note that the history and background of each of the regions is very complex, with many different cultures, languages, and countries …

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Easter eggs and Eastern palm from Eastern Europe

Discover Eastern European Easter Traditions

Eastern European Easter traditions combine ancient pagan beliefs and rituals with Christian worship and practices. As far as holiday traditions of Eastern Europe go, they are some of the most beautiful. If you’re interested in learning more about the cultures of Eastern Europe, the Easter holiday is a great place to start. While each country …

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Ukrainian Easter eggs in red, orange, and white

Holiday Traditions in Eastern Europe

Traditions in Eastern Europe are rich, and holiday traditions—experienced at only certain times of year—are an important insight into local and regional culture. Holiday traditions in Eastern Europe can be experienced throughout the year in the countries of Eastern, Central, Southeastern, and Northeastern Europe or the Baltics. They range from Christian holidays to pagan holidays …

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Decorated Easter Eggs in a basket with a doll in Eastern European costume

Eastern European Traditions You Should Know

Eastern Europe is a region rich with traditions that fill events calendars, express national heritage, and define leisure time and hospitality culture. Learning about Eastern European traditions will offer insight into the region’s history, heritage, and values, some of which you may want to investigate further or adopt as meaningful to you. Coloring Easter Eggs …

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History in the Baltics and Russia in a Lenin statue

The Baltics and Russia: A Complex Relationship

The Baltics and Russia, that is, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, and Russia, have never been really separate in some people’s minds—whether they be those who are a little hazy with world history and geography or those who have a provocative political point to make. However, though it wasn’t always so, the Baltic countries are independent entities, …

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Is Food from Eastern Europe Healthy?

When people consider the food from Eastern Europe, they usually imagine the stick-to-your-ribs foods that their—or someone else’s—grandmother used to make. Think meaty stews, loads of potatoes, and second helpings. But as our views of what’s “healthy” change given the evolving information we have about how our bodies work and what foods are optimal for …

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Are Eastern Europe’s Christmas Markets Canceled in 2020: What to Expect

With the coronavirus pandemic creating uncertain winter conditions for Eastern Europe’s cities, each one is having to contend with whether it will be able to hold its traditional Christmas activities in 2020. Tallinn, Estonia’s capital, announced as of October that it would not hold its Christmas market, and Vilnius, Lithuania, will move some of its …

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