The time is 19.30 Tuesday. Bass thunders in the neighborhood of Selsbakk in Trondheim. Just follow the sound. Behind one of the houses stands a white party tent.
– Eyyyy, it’s Address!
Eighteen boys in the Russian group “Top Class 2024” jump up and turn down the music.
They have spring for an hour and a half – and it’s only halfway.
Intense weeks
The 18- and 19-year-olds have been partying, drinking and having fun for thirteen days straight.
– We’re probably starting to feel it a bit now. The daily form is not optimal, says Naki Nguyen.
– There is enough testosterone in that tent here, says Jonas Volden and laughs.
The table is stocked with beer, spirits and mixed water. The gang admits that it’s easier to cut loose when they’re just “guys”.
This is this year’s Russian fashion in Trondheim
Asked the neighbors
Eryk’s parents, Ewelina and Mateus, were initially skeptical when the boys suggested having a tent in the garden during the Russian era.
– After thinking about it a bit, we saw this as an opportunity to get to know the boys and see that the parties went well and that everyone was included, says Ewelina.
Ahead of the Russian celebration, the boys clarified with the neighbors that it was okay to party there.
– I think the boys have behaved very well. It is a security for us that they are close by and that we know where they are and who they are partying with. If something should happen, we can help, she says.
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Inviting everyone
The boys come from different parts of the city, but most have known each other since primary or secondary school.
– It was a matter of course that we should make a Russian group together, since we have been friends for many years. But we are very keen to be inclusive, says Charles Muraya Mwangi, who is also Russian president at Byåsen vgs.
– Towards the time of the russet, we took in those who wanted to join, and everyone who wants to come here is welcome even if they are not part of the group. We’ve already had several spats with other Russians, he elaborates.
Charles Muraya Mwangi in the Russian president’s traditional gold parka and friend Jonas Volden.
More gather
The president of the Russian board in Trondheim, Hannah Nordahl Gresseth, estimates that there are at least 50 Russian groups in the city this year.
Marius Vigen, who is a doctoral candidate in sociology at NTNU, says that it has become an increasingly large phenomenon in recent years.
Doctoral scholarship holder Marius Vigen has, among other things, researched youth culture and the social life of young adults.
Photo: NTNU
– Before, it was more common for Trondheim Russians to gather based on which school they went to. The Russegruppe culture and the stories from Eastern Norway have become more widespread here in recent years, he says.
The boys in Top Class find it reassuring to be in a Russian group.
– We always have someone to be with during Russian times and know each other well. It is a community where no one ends up alone. We take care of each other. Not least, we have a lot of fun together, says Ingmar Fotland.
These Russian groups are allowed to perform in Spektrum
Must calm down
After ten minutes, a neighbor comes and asks the boys to turn down the music a little. He has to put the kids to bed. The boys apologize and turn down the volume.
– It has never happened before. Typical that we get to complain now, Kris Emre sighs embarrassed.
– We don’t want to bother anyone, so it’s only good that they speak up, says Naki.
The boys generally think that the Russian has received a lot of undeserved criticism in recent years.
– I don’t think there are any Russians who want to bother people in the city. We just want to get together and celebrate thirteen years of schooling, says Charles.
Can be positive
NTNU scholarship holder Marius Vigen fully understands that Russians gather in groups during the Russian era.
– The Russian has been “exiled” from the public urban space in recent years, with nowhere to be. They have been unwanted in nightclubs and in public areas such as parks and squares. We can’t be surprised that they get together and celebrate in groups. It creates a more social Russian time for those who take part, he says.
At the same time, he understands the concern that Russian groups become an exclusionary element of the celebration. He believes this is a bigger problem in Oslo than in Trondheim.
– It is important to remember that in the rest of society we also organize ourselves in groups. Whether it’s a group of friends, colleagues at work, a training team or that we associate with people who have the same political values or interests as ourselves. It is neither unnatural nor strange that the Russians do the same.
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The way forward
Last year, several Trondheim russ experienced having nowhere to celebrate, but this year the russ’ executive board has planned several parties at Samfundet, Vudu and in Spektrum.
– I am very happy that there is a lot happening this year, where everyone is welcome, says Kenneth Haugness.
They are looking forward to the rest of the Russian season – and are sure that the celebration will be memorable.
