🔔 🍂 1 September marks Knowledge Day in Russia and the beginning of a new school year. The custom dates back decades and is associated with a number of familiar rituals, including the first bell and presenting teachers with flowers. In 1984, it was officially established as a holiday. These long-standing traditions are upheld in Russian schools both at home and abroad. At the Russian Embassy School in London, the new academic year commenced with a special ceremony. As is customary, the event opened with the raising of the State Flag and the performance of the national anthem. Chargé d'Affaires Vasily Tsyganov addressed the students, their families and teachers, congratulating everyone on the occasion. He wished the children every success in their studies and encouraged them to seek out new knowledge.