"A riot of colours and images": Maria Zakharova on the National Centre RUSSIA stand at IFY-2026
Maria Zakharova, Official Representative of the Russian
Foreign Ministry, visited the National Centre RUSSIA stand at the International
Festival of Youth — 2026 in Yekaterinburg. She explored the range of products
at the Department Store RUSSIA, folk arts and crafts, and the interactive
"Nevalyashki" installation.
Maria Zakharova noted that the stand is attracting considerable attention from
international guests. Visitors explore Russian products, take photographs and
shoot videos, sharing their impressions with audiences in other countries.
According to her, the interest in the items presented at the stand reflects
visitors' desire not only to see and learn about Russia, but also to take a
piece of its cultural legacy home with them.
"The National Centre RUSSIA stand at IFY is, of course, a riot of everything: colours, images, costumes, food and souvenirs. It is wonderful that young people from all over the world can see all of this and understand that Russia has its own distinctive national character, its own traditions and its own unique culture. At the same time, we also emphasise our respectful and deeply appreciative attitude towards the cultures of different countries and peoples," said Maria Zakharova.
As an example of this cultural dialogue, the diplomat drew attention to Fedoskino lacquer boxes — products of a traditional Russian craft involving miniature oil painting on papier-mâché, which originated in the late 18th century in the village of Fedoskino near Moscow. Maria Zakharova noted that alongside traditional Russian subjects — landscapes, folk tales and the Firebird — the painted boxes also feature motifs reminiscent of Dutch and Flemish painting. She also highlighted Dymkovo toys, familiar to several generations of Russians, and unique accessories made from genuine leather.
The National Centre RUSSIA exposition introduces festival guests to the country's cultural diversity through products made by manufacturers and artisans from different regions of Russia. Traditional folk arts and crafts are presented here alongside contemporary trends, preserving recognisable imagery and techniques while giving them a new interpretation.
The National Centre RUSSIA stand, featuring its flagship Department Store
project, is operating at the International Festival of Youth — 2026 in
Yekaterinburg from 13 to 16 September in the "Cultural Code" thematic
space. It features products and traditional crafts from different regions of
the country, as well as a programme of demonstration workshops on the
traditional crafts of the peoples of Russia.
Yekaterinburg has opened the country's first new-generation children's playground inspired by the Dymkovo toy.
