Brighton Beach: A bit of the USSR in the USA

Brighton Beach is a New York neighborhood with a lot of character located on the Atlantic coast // Street scene. Brighton Beach, New York. April 16, 2012

This place is also called 'Little Odessa' in honor of the city in southern Ukraine. // A Ukrainian playing poker on the beach. Brighton Beach, New York. June 16, 2012.

This neighborhood became popular in the 1970s. Brighton Beach was the place where emigrants from the former USSR moved, mostly Russian-speaking Ukrainians, Belarusians, and Russians. // Women at “Back to USSR” restaurant. Brighton Beach, New York. January 27, 2013.

Ukrainian photographer Yulia Bazar captured Brighton Beach's streets and named the series "Little Odessa" // Playing cards, often for money, has become a usual routine among male immigrants. Brighton Beach, New York. July 30, 2012.

Former residents of the Soviet Union open up Russian restaurants, shops, and schools, read Russian-language newspapers, and celebrate Orthodox Christmas. // Coaching a new generation of Russian chess players in chess school. Brighton Beach, New York. January 27, 2013

Traditional borsch dinner in Brighton Beach, New York. October 6, 2012.

“Back to USSR” restaurant. Brighton Beach, New York. January 27, 2013

Fishermen selling his fresh catch on the street in Brighton Beach, New York. October 6, 2012

People toasting at a birthday party at a restaurant. Brighton Beach, New York. January 26, 2013

“National” restaurant. Brighton Beach, New York. January 20, 2013

Brighton Beach Epiphany ceremony. January 19, 2013

The oldest Russian sauna in Brighton Beach, New York. January 26, 2013

Zhenya and Maria at the store. Brighton Beach, New York. July 28, 2012

Women walking into the sea during an Epiphany ceremony in Brighton Beach, New York. January 19, 2013.