The National Centre RUSSIA «Khorovod of Unity» flash mob brings cultures together at IFY-2026
Representatives of different countries dance every day to
"The Beautiful Faraway", a song familiar to many since childhood, at
the National Centre RUSSIA stand at the International Festival of Youth — 2026
in Yekaterinburg. The song's central theme resonates with the festival: it is a
dream of the future that the younger generation is creating today.
The tradition of "The Beautiful Faraway" dance flash mob began at the
International RUSSIA EXPO. The musical accompaniment is based on the popular
song "The Beautiful Faraway", composed by Yevgeny Krylatov with
lyrics by poet Yuri Entin.
"I had a wonderful time at the flash mob — it was so much fun! It is great
to see people from so many different countries together. When we dance, we feel
our unity. It is about peace and the future we can build together," said
IFY-2026 participant Huda Arif from Pakistan.
The "Khorovod of Unity" ("Unity Round Dance") is a more
recent trend. It was launched at the National Centre RUSSIA in 2026 as part of
a large-scale programme dedicated to the Year of Unity of the Peoples of
Russia, declared by the President of the country, Vladimir Putin. Volunteers
and staff of the National Centre RUSSIA were the first to repeat the simple
dance moves, followed by teams from regional branches, popular artists,
creative groups and other participants of all ages.
The first to join the flash mob were employees of the National Centre RUSSIA,
graduates of the Young Journalists School and families from the All-Russian
Wedding Festival "Russia. Uniting Hearts". Visitors to the stand soon
picked up their energy, and the Khorovod of Unity brought together everyone who
happened to be nearby.
"It was truly beautiful. There were people from different countries and of
different nationalities here — and everyone was dancing together and having
fun. It was really great. Russian music is very inspiring," said Chigozie
Vianney Ogbuleka, a guest from Africa.
The National Centre RUSSIA stand — 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. Guests can
discover products and traditional crafts from different regions of the country
— from sweets, tea and cosmetics to ceramics, jewellery, textiles and folk arts
and crafts.
The National Centre RUSSIA stand at the International Festival of Youth — 2026 in Yekaterinburg has attracted great interest from international guests.
Maria Zakharova, Official Representative of the Russian Foreign Ministry, visited the National Centre RUSSIA stand at the International Festival of Youth — 2026 in Yekaterinburg.
Yekaterinburg has opened the country's first new-generation children's playground inspired by the Dymkovo toy.
