151 couples took part in a joint wedding ceremony on the first day of the All-Russian Wedding Festival

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On the Day of Family, Love, and Fidelity, the II All-Russian Wedding Festival opened at the National Centre RUSSIA. The key event of the first day's programme was the joint wedding registration ceremony of 151 couples from across Russia. Government officials and public figures addressed the newlyweds with words of encouragement, and a rich cultural programme became a true gift for the occasion.

For the couples who had travelled from all over the country to attend the All-Russian Wedding Festival, the Day of Family, Love, and Fidelity began with a romantic yacht trip along the Moskva River, followed by a festive procession along the picturesque embankment. However, the most significant events took place at the National Centre RUSSIA, where numerous guests, government representatives and cultural figures had gathered.

At the official opening of the II All-Russian Wedding Festival, First Deputy Chief of Staff of the Presidential Executive Office of the Russian Federation Sergei Kiriyenko delivered a speech. The state official read out a special message from the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin addressed to the newlyweds, and then offered his own words of guidance to the couples.

"You look so beautiful and so happy today, your eyes are shining brightly. I want to wish you to carry this love, respect, and mutual support throughout your lives. A wedding day is always the birthday of a family. And it is no coincidence that today is the day your family is born. Families that are created on July 8, the Day of Family, Love, and Fidelity, are happy and live in harmony. I am sure this will be the case for each of you. The happiness of each of your families is the happiness of Russia. The strength of traditions and love in your families is the strength of Russia. Because, as our President said, Russia is, in essence, a big family of families. And you are part of that great Russian family. I wish you happiness, love, and good fortune!" said Sergei Kiriyenko.

Sergei Kiriyenko noted that offering guidance to couples before marriage is a good and meaningful tradition that has existed on Russian soil for centuries. No external circumstances should interfere with the transmission of experience and kind words. Sergei Vladilenovich then invited Valery Doonov, a Hero of the Special Military Operation and brother of one of the brides, to the stage. The senior rifleman and participant in the battles for Avdeyevka was granted a short leave from the frontlines by decision of the President of the Russian Federation and Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Vladimir Putin so that he could personally bless his sister Diana before her wedding. To loud applause, the serviceman approached the microphone and addressed Diana and all the couples present in the hall.

The key event of the programme was the joint wedding registration of 151 couples from all across Russia — from the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Area and the Republic of Sakha to Sevastopol and the new regions of the country. The ceremony was organised with the support of 45 employees of Moscow registry offices. After the ceremonial words were spoken and the couples exchanged rings, Minister of Energy of the Russian Federation Sergei Tsivilev and Deputy Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation Anna Tsivileva took to the stage. They announced the launch of a new tradition: the passing of the family hearth from last year’s couples to this year’s newlyweds.

"The Creator gave humankind a great power — love. Love for God, for parents, for children. Today, on this beautiful day, you have taken an important step in choosing to unite your hearts. I wish for you to carry this feeling throughout your life and pass it on to your children and grandchildren. Many years from now, they will remember you and think: ‘How deeply they loved each other!’ Congratulations on this special day," said Sergei Tsivilev in his message to the newlyweds.

"With all my heart, I congratulate you on this special day — a truly significant one, first and foremost for you. Today, you are creating a family, forming a union in which your children will be born and raised. In this union, you will live through some of the happiest and most memorable moments of your life, and together — supporting each other — you will overcome challenges. I sincerely wish that you always stay together, that the feeling that unites you today lasts for many years and only grows stronger," said Anna Tsivileva in her address to those gathered.

The atmosphere of unity and love was enhanced by performances from guest artists. One of the highlights of the programme was the musical "I Love You Always," dedicated to one of the most enduring and harmonious couples of the Soviet music scene — Alexandra Pakhmutova and Nikolai Dobronravov. The lead roles were played by singer Nansi (Anastasia Belyavskaya) and singer Sidorov (Oleg Sidorov), and the show featured 10 musical theatre actors and 20 ballet dancers. The audience heard songs that left a lasting mark on the musical culture of the 20th century, including "My Beloved," "Good Girls," "Song of Troubled Youth," and many others. The evening concluded with a full concert by the performer Niletto, featuring ten songs, including the widely loved "Ray of Golden Sun."

The newlyweds left the grounds of the National Centre RUSSIA not empty-handed. Each couple received a symbolic lamp bearing the flame of the All-Russian Family Hearth, passed on by couples who had married during last year’s festival. This year’s newlyweds are expected to return to the National Centre RUSSIA in a year’s time — now as experienced families — to pass on the family flame to couples who are only just preparing for marriage.

The festival runs from July 8 to 10 and brings together a wide range of cultural and educational events: public talks, workshops, themed tours, an exposition of exclusive wedding attire, and the literary club "What to Read?!".

The project is implemented with the support of the Presidential Fund for Cultural Initiatives. The full programme of the festival is available on the official website of the National Centre RUSSIA in the "Events" section.