Russians know how to party. But often, the real fun happens away from the bars and clubs. House parties are a big part of the country’s culture - they are taken very seriously indeed.
Why Russians gather at home for concerts
In Soviet times, many rock bands were not granted permits for staging public concerts due to censorship, so the only chance to see some musicians was to host a concert behind closed doors in an apartment - these were known as “kvartirnik” (from the Russian world “kvartira” – apartment). They were organized by friends of the musicians, so often these events were attended by a group of tight pals. Lots of famous rockers took part in kvartirniks, such as Viktor Tsoi and Vladimir Vysotsky, and bands like Aquarium and Leningrad. The performers also sometimes crashed in the same pad after playing gigs.
People who gathered at such events were effectively going against the state - they championed freedom of expression and liberty. The concerts were usually spiced up with bottles of port wine - a symbol of Soviet rock culture.
Musicians performed their own songs and covers, they also jammed. Poetry kvartirniks were also popular and aspiring wordsmiths would recite both their own verses and classical works about love and freedom. These performances triggered enthusiastic debate afterwards - sometimes fights even broke out following disagreements.
RIA Novosti
Are kvartirniks held today?
Contemporary Russians also like to gather for home concerts – they are still popular among local indie bands who mostly perform for their friends and relatives.
A gig is usually held at a musician’s place. Any room can be a stage, depending on the number of guests. If a host want to see more people at their kvartirnik, they use social media to promote it, so keep an eye out on Facebook and Twitter.
“Guests who attend such events are usually intelligent, creative people: Musicians, dancers, students. I often see foreigners among them, so it’s not a surprise to hear English spoken at the gigs. Many of them come from abroad to attend the party and share their impressions afterwards,” said Muscovite Tamara Grigoryeva. “Once I saw a man from Germany at a kvartirnik at my friend’s place. It was a really exotic experience for him.”
Some organizers ask guests to donate a little money for the event, and people are usually asked bring their own alcohol and food.
A kvartirnik can start any time but usually from 6 to 9 p.m. to around midnight. The musicians and their friends usually stay up for longer though and can even end up hanging out for days. This happens if they’re offered a “vpiska” (from the verb “vpisyvatsya” - to check in): An invitation to stay at the particular home.
“Apartments for kvartirniks are normal in a very bad state of repair, so hosts don’t mind if something goes wrong,” says Muscovite Daria Sokolova, who regularly takes part in such event. “I hosted a kvartirnik once. If you have a lot of friends who are musicians and invite them, the line between kvartirnik and just drinking booze while playing guitars can blur.”
If there are too many guests people can hang out in the “padik” (from the word “podjezd” – entrance).
Kvartirniks have one big disadvantage – neighbors. That’s why home concerts are usually held during weekends and holidays. And if they’re shut down by the police few people are surprised.
Are there any rules?
Sergei Savostyanov/TASS
Of course, rules depend on the apartment’s owner, but there are some basics:
1. The host is always right.
2. Guests should be polite to each other and the neighbors.
3. Guest should keep the apartment in order and help clean up after the party.
4. If a guest needs to stay for the night, he needs ask the owner first.
5. Guest should not make noise after 11 p.m.
6. Guest should bring food, drinks, and disposable tableware with them and share it with others.
7. Guest should not get too drunk.
Have you ever been to a Russian kvartinrinik? Share your experience with us below!