Curious Tofurious: North Ossetia

An American with Russian roots, Tofurious Maximus Crane, embarks on a journey to reconnect with his ancestral homeland. In the premiere episode of his new show, he travels to North Ossetia-Alania to immerse himself in the culture and traditions of this vibrant southern republic. His adventure begins in Vladikavkaz, where he witnesses a lively Caucasian wedding ritual – a mock ‘kidnapping’ of the bride orchestrated by the groom’s friends. From the republic’s capital, Tofurious ventures into the mountains to explore the ancient towers of the Alans, the ancestors of modern Ossetians. In a remote mountain village, he’s welcomed into the home of a hereditary miner whose family has been extracting lead since the 19th century.

As he journeys through the rugged landscapes of North Ossetia, Tofurious visits the Tsey Nature Reserve, hoping to catch a glimpse of the elusive Caucasian bison. A touching moment comes at Karmadon Gorge, the site of the tragic 2002 Kolka Glacier disaster, where a film crew led by actor Sergei Bodrov perished. At a memorial plaque, Tofurious reflects on how Bodrov’s films Brother and Brother 2 became classics for American audiences.

The highlight of his trip, however, is an Ossetian wedding – a whirlwind of traditional rituals, electrifying dances, and a lavish feast. Overcoming his initial shyness, Tofurious joins the dance floor, swept up in the festivities and feeling like part of an Ossetian family.

Watch “Curious Tofurious: North Ossetia” on RTD website and on RT’s live feed. The time of the broadcast is available on RT’s schedule page.