Day: August 21, 2026

In the IDEA Hall, Forum participants from Russia, Thailand, Indonesia, Egypt and other countries got to know one another and explored different cultures through traditional games.

The participants explained the rules themselves — in their native languages and through gestures and facial expressions. The teams quickly found a common rhythm, joined in and encouraged one another.

In the Egyptian game «Handkerchief», the young participants put their speed and agility to the test. In «Wind and Frost» from the Magadan Region, they had to find a partner to keep from «freezing», while the Thai game «Win Piao»challenged them to a relay race.

The open dialogue «A Word Can Save: Poetry about Courage, Memory and Hope», organised jointly with the Defenders of the Fatherland Foundation, took place in the Friendship Tent.

Participants discussed how art can help people retain their inner strength during difficult times and how words can become a source of support, resilience and hope. Particular attention was given to frontline poetry — works that reflect fortitude, courage and comradeship.

The young participants spoke with Alexander Gushchev, Sergey Kolychev and Dmitry Miniakhmetov, participants in the special military operation, as well as Oleg Roy, a writer and combat veteran. The speakers shared personal stories about the role of creativity and how poetry can help people endure hardship and maintain their connection with others.

The participants themselves also reflected on the power of words and their influence on people. «Poetry strengthens the spirit. When you read poems, you feel calmer inside and less afraid», said Alexander Gushchev. Sergey Kolychevcontinued the thought: «The future of our country depends on the words we carry forward».

The Forum also featured the «A Letter to a Soldier and Kind Drawings» campaign. In the foyer of the Theatre Hall, participants could send letters of support and drawings to military personnel serving in the special military operation zone. These small but deeply meaningful gestures help maintain a connection with those defending the country today.

In the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia, meetings such as this help preserve memory, support one another and draw strength from culture and creativity.

The first day of the 5th International Children’s Cultural Forum drew to a close with the «Circle of Friendship» gala concert at the Irina Viner Palace.

Forum participants and guests embarked on a fascinating journey across Russia’s regions and countries around the world. Folk songs and melodies performed on traditional instruments filled the stage, while young dancers introduced the audience to the traditions of different peoples.

The concert featured performers from Burkina Faso, Uzbekistan, Abkhazia, Libya, Oman, Turkmenistan, Indonesia and other countries, alongside partner ensembles from regions across Russia.

The programme included the Uzbek folk song «Dilxiroj», performed by the «Sadaf» Ensemble; the princely dance «Qafa», presented by the «Zvezdochka» Ensemble from Kabardino-Balkaria; and performances featuring traditional instruments — an oud performance from Oman and a qanun performance by Rita of the Lebanese National Higher Conservatory of Music.

Highlights included Aishat Rejepova from Turkmenistan performing a traditional dance accompanied by the dutar; the «Otrada» Vocal and Dance Ensemble; «Vitava Inmotion» Dance Studio from Jakarta; the choreographic studio of the State Dance Ensemble of the Republic of Tatarstan with «Sunflower»; and the «Ural» Children’s Choreographic Studio with its production «Tricksters».

Young performers from Transnistria, Thailand, Cuba, South Ossetia and other countries also shared their artistic traditions with the audience.

The «Circle of Friendship» gala concert built on the central theme of the 5th International Children’s Cultural Forum — the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia. Through music and dance, participants were able to get to know one another better and showcase the rich diversity of traditions from around the world.

Did you know that salt can have a character of its own? That a single ornamental pattern can tell the story of an entire people? Or that a centuries-old festival can still bring people together today?

Participants in the 5th International Children’s Cultural Forum embarked on a journey across Russia’s regions during the cross-cultural session «A Journey Across the Map of Unity: Living Traditions».

They discovered that ancient customs are not confined to the pages of history but continue to thrive in the modern world.

• Altai Territory and Holy Trinity Traditions

In the past, people gathered around birch trees to perform rituals, dance in circles and prepare ceremonial dishes for the feast. Today, the tradition lives on through folk songs, theatrical performances and cultural programmes that bring different generations together.

• Kostroma Region and Thursday Salt

This special salt was once prepared by families for Easter according to recipes passed down from generation to generation. Today, black Thursday salt forms part of the region’s cultural heritage: it is used in cooking and continues to be produced using traditional methods.

• Republic of Tatarstan and the Sabantuy Festival

Sabantuy was traditionally celebrated after the completion of spring fieldwork. Today, it brings people together far beyond the region. Traditional contests, folk games and community gatherings help maintain connections between generations and pass cultural traditions on.

• Sakha Republic and the Ysyakh Festival

This celebration marking the arrival of summer brings together music, dance, crafts and sporting competitions. Today, Ysyakh remains a meeting place for different generations and an important part of the cultural life of the Sakha people.