The III All-Russian Wedding Festival opens in Khanty-Mansiysk
On the Day of Family, Love and Fidelity, the III All-Russian Wedding Festival "Russia. Uniting Hearts" brought together not only Moscow, but all branches of the National Centre RUSSIA. Festive events were held simultaneously in different regions of the country, where newlyweds, their families and guests celebrated one of Russia's warmest holidays together. The festival in Yugra will be remembered for its ceremonial wedding motorcade. Decorated cars carrying the newlyweds drove through the city streets, creating a truly festive atmosphere and becoming a vivid symbol of the beginning of a new family life.
"Today is a great celebration at the National Centre RUSSIA in Yugra. For the first time, we have joined the All-Russian Wedding Festival 'Russia. Uniting Hearts'. In the Year of the Young Family in Yugra, it is a great honour to host such an event. Yugra residents have been very active. We have 12 couples from across the area. I wish our couples happiness and a long life together. May every day be filled with warmth and respect. Happy holiday and happy Day of Family, Love and Fidelity," said Anton Pilipas, Head of the National Centre RUSSIA in Yugra.
Twelve couples who are to say the most important "I do" to each other today travelled through the central streets of Khanty-Mansiysk. The route passed some of the city's landmarks: the Cathedral of the Resurrection of Christ, the "Khanty-Mansiysk — City of Labour Valour" stele, the monument to the city's founders, as well as the central streets of Chekhov, Gagarin and Svoboda. Passers-by warmly greeted the couples in love, becoming part of the festive day.
"It was incredibly wonderful to receive an invitation to the III All-Russian Wedding Festival. Of course, I am nervous — my heart is already pounding as if before an exam. But then you realise that this is not an exam, but a very beautiful and ceremonial process that gives you goosebumps," bride Irina Pankiv shared.
The most touching stop was the Archeopark. Staff of the Torum Maa Ethnographic Museum — representatives of the indigenous peoples of the North — held a blessing ceremony for the newlyweds based on traditional Khanty beliefs about family well-being and respect for the home. The couples took part in a ritual of purification with chaga smoke, which accompanied important events in Khanty culture and symbolised cleansing.
After the ritual, the couples tried traditional meadowsweet tea and bread baked in a Khanty oven. The first wishes for health, family harmony and a long life were spoken in the languages of the indigenous peoples. The ceremony concluded with the group dance "Kurenka". The newlyweds took their first steps together, symbolically beginning their shared journey.
Festival participants admitted that ahead of the main event of the day, they were experiencing special emotions ranging from nervousness to joyful anticipation of a new chapter in their family story.
"Of course, we are nervous. But most of all, we are looking forward to the wedding ceremony itself — we want to seal our union and share this moment with the other festival participants," newlyweds Olesya Sibiy and Pavel Busygin said.
The wedding procession then arrived at the National Centre RUSSIA in Yugra. The newlyweds were welcomed by relatives and guests as the couples walked along the red carpet. Today, their families will officially become part of the history of the III All-Russian Wedding Festival "Uniting Hearts".
Read news about the National Centre RUSSIA in Yugra on its official VKontakte, Odnoklassniki, MAX and Telegram accounts.
Newlyweds from Nyagan, choreographers Yuri Osovin and Viktoria Khmyrova, took part in the production.
Anyone can send a message to the future to their loved one: confess their feelings.
The dolls have been specially produced for the festival and will be presented as commemorative gifts to every couple.
