United Folklore Day: how the National Centre RUSSIA preserves folk wisdom and traditions
The fairy tales we heard as children, our grandmothers' songs, lively kolyadki (carols), round dances, traditional crafts and timeless proverbs passed down from generation to generation — all of these are part of the historical memory, wisdom and soul of the many peoples of Russia. On 17 July, Russia celebrates United Folklore Day, a relatively new but deeply significant occasion. It was added to the national calendar of commemorative dates in 2022, the Year of the Cultural Legacy of the Peoples of Russia.
The initiative to establish United Folklore Day came from the professional folklore community. During the V All-Russian Congress of Folklorists in March 2022, participants proposed creating a national celebration dedicated to preserving, developing and promoting the folklore legacy of all the country's peoples. The date of 17 July was chosen because it marks the birthday of the renowned Russian ethnographer and explorer Nikolai Miklouho-Maclay.
For children, folklore is their first and most important guide to the world of culture and their native language. Traditional poteshki (nursery rhymes), chastushki (short folk songs), fairy tales and lullabies help them intuitively absorb the rhythm and melody of speech, develop language skills, strengthen memory and attention, distinguish right from wrong, and form core values. Yet folklore is far more than a collection of songs and stories for language development. It is a rich system of traditional knowledge, profound philosophy and a unique way of understanding the world, passed down through generations. Across the country, United Folklore Day is marked by folk festivals, craft fairs, expositions, concerts, lectures, workshops and creative meetings with tradition bearers and custodians of national cultures.
In the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia, declared by President Vladimir Putin, the significance of the celebration is especially profound. Folklore is the enduring thread that connects the past with the future. It reminds us that the country's strength lies in its diversity, in respecting our roots, fostering friendship and valuing one another.
The folklore legacy of the many peoples of Russia is woven throughout the National Centre RUSSIA. Here, the vibrant and multi-layered fabric of folk culture comes to life in a wide variety of formats. One striking example was the "Book of Fairy Tales" exposition. Inspired by the work of the distinguished folklorist Vladimir Propp, it introduced visitors to the legends, crafts and fairy-tale archetypes of Russian folk culture. Eight regions, from the Vologda Region to Kaliningrad, presented their unique traditions and stories, while each visitor was invited to follow their own "hero's journey" through the exposition: encountering beloved fairy-tale characters brought to life, overcoming challenges and, ultimately, making a choice between good and evil.
Another memorable event was the "Winter Wizards" festival. Nineteen of Russia's principal New Year characters from different regions gathered at the National Centre RUSSIA, including Hel Muchi from Chuvashia, Sagaan Ubgen from Buryatia, Kysh Babai from Tatarstan and many others. Theatrical performances inspired by regional legends and traditions introduced both children and adults to the remarkable diversity of Russia's New Year celebrations, creating a living map of festive traditions across the country.
The National Centre RUSSIA has also recreated the atmosphere of traditional seasonal rituals on numerous occasions. On the eve of Christmas, for example, young visitors to the "Book of Fairy Tales" exposition took part in theatrical kolyadki (Christmas caroling) and other traditional customs, discovering the richness and beauty of folk culture through immersive experiences.
Among the National Centre RUSSIA's projects dedicated to folklore and the unity of Russia's peoples, a special place belongs to the musical and choreographic parable "Khorovod" ("Round Dance"), performed by more than 300 artists from across the country. Premiered during the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia, the production is built around the image of the khorovod — the ancient circle dance that symbolises unity, where there is neither first nor last, and simple movements bring everyone together as one. A special version, "Khorovod. Wedding", became the highlight of the III All-Russian Wedding Festival "Russia. Uniting Hearts", held at the National Centre RUSSIA on 8–9 July. Through this ancient folk dance, people of different nationalities, traditions and life stories were united in a shared celebration.
The National Centre RUSSIA will continue to preserve and celebrate the country's rich folklore traditions, demonstrating time and again that folk culture is far more than a museum exhibit. It is a living force that brings people together, reminds us of our shared origins and helps us grow closer to one another.
