During the International Festival of Youth in Ekaterinburg, the World Cultures District became a center of attraction and a space for open dialogue. The interactive venue introduced participants to the cultures of five macroregions of the planet: Asia, America, Africa, the Middle East, and Europe. Everyone could immerse themselves in the unique traditions of different peoples. The project was implemented with the support of the Presidential Foundation for Cultural Initiatives.
Every day, the World Cultures District hosted venues dedicated to five macroregions: Europe, Asia, Africa, America, and the Middle East. Participants learned traditional dances of the peoples of the world, took part in national games, tried their hand at folk crafts and trades, listened to live music and performances by artists, participated in master classes, and simply got to know one another. Over the days of the Festival, more than 100 activities took place in the District.
“We got a lot of emotions and saw many cultures of different peoples. It amazed us. We will take with us many memories that will remain with us forever. Many thanks to the IFY – 2026 for these amazing memories. Only warmth remains in our hearts. At the Festival, everyone is very friendly, everyone around is getting acquainted,” shared Zarina Betieva and Dana Kozaeva from South Ossetia.
The Middle East macroregion became a territory of live communication. The oriental bazaar brought together vendors from around the world, and more than a thousand participants purchased souvenirs there. Participants from Ethiopia held a genuine coffee ceremony, sang national songs, and treated everyone while two multicultural orchestras played. Every day, guests were greeted by a caravan – mystical Bedouins, camels, and a magical peacock. An open mic also operated, and anyone could showcase their talents – 75 of the boldest participants from different countries demonstrated theirs.
In the Europe macroregion, the largest round dance of the Festival was assembled—more than 150 people joined hands and spun together in a single rhythm. The traditional Russian folk game Rucheyok (Brook) became even more massive – more than 1,000 people took part over the course of the Festival. There was also singing – Kalinka and Katyusha were performed by a whole-people choir.
“In the World Cultures District, what we liked most was making friends and communicating with all nationalities. We also learned about Russian hospitality and warmth. In a word, this can be called friendship among countries,” said Abdurahmen Khakim and Morgan Akhmet from Egypt.
In the Africa macroregion, the drums never fell silent for a moment – participants formed circles, felt the rhythm, and played maracas and tambourines. Over four days, more than 60 hours were spent playing traditional instruments.
In the America macroregion, it was bright and loud – over four days, 16 hours of Latin American dances took place there. More than 3,000 dancers took part, and the lambada line stretched 50 meters long. In the sky above the Asia macroregion, 14 dragons, 2 lions, and 1 phoenix flew simultaneously – parades of traditional Chinese dragons impressed with their beauty and scale. In the evenings, participants held the loudest karaoke of the Festival. Over 4 days, more than 500 songs were sung – from global hits to K-pop – and the number of performers exceeded 2,500.
The World Cultures District became a space where culture could not only be seen but lived. Here everyone could become acquainted with the traditions of other peoples and become part of them – through dance, song, games, and live communication. Here strangers became friends, and different traditions became points of contact. This is a true dialogue of cultures.
Overview:
The International Festival of Youth, held as part of the Youth and Children national project, was taking place in Ekaterinburg from September 11 to 17, 2026. The decree establishing the event had been signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin on December 29, 2025. The Festival was being held under the motto "Follow Your Dream."
Participants of the IFY – 2026 included 10,000 young leaders from 191 countries, including 5,000 Russians and 5,000 international citizens. Among them were leading representatives of creative industries and the arts, public administration, science and education, sport, entrepreneurship, media, digitalization and IT, and civic engagement – people who are already shaping the future of their countries and the world. Continuing the successful practice established at the World Youth Festival 2024, those invited included 1,000 teenagers aged 14 to 17 – 500 from Russia and 500 from abroad. The Children's Program was organized by the Movement of the First.
The World Youth Festival took place from March 1 to 7, 2024, in Sirius, in accordance with a decree of Russian President Vladimir Putin, aimed at developing international youth cooperation. The WYF-2024 brought together 20,000 young leaders from 190 countries.
In line with instructions from Russia’s President on preserving and building on the legacy of the World Youth Festival, festival events are now held annually across Russia. The World Youth Festival Directorate continues its work to strengthen international youth cooperation and build a community of young people who care about the future of the world.
Tavrida.Art Autonomous Non-Profit Organization develops the Tavrida art cluster – a platform of opportunities for young cultural and arts professionals that brings together the summer schools of Meganom Academy of Creative Industries, Tavrida.ART Young Art Festival, a federal network of art residencies, and other projects. Art cluster events are included in the federal project “Russia – the Country of Opportunities” under the Youth and Children national project and have been held since 2015.