Highlights of the Chelyabinsk Region Days at the National Centre RUSSIA
The Chelyabinsk Region Days have concluded at the National Centre RUSSIA. The programme included a meeting with Governor Alexei Teksler, the celebration of Tankograd Heroes Day, as well as workshops and culinary shows dedicated to the region’s traditions and achievements.
Meeting with Alexei Teksler
Governor of the Chelyabinsk region Alexei Teksler held a meeting as part of the "Platform of the Future: Region-2030. 100 Steps" series at the National Centre RUSSIA. The head of the region presented a strategy for the comprehensive development of the Southern Urals, which includes nine priority areas — from accelerated technological growth and ecology to family support and human capital development. According to Alexei Teksler, the main goal is to make the Chelyabinsk region "a region of absolute opportunities" — a place where people can live, work, and build their future comfortably.
Alexei Teksler paid special attention to social policy. The region implements large-scale family support measures, including the Student Maternity Capital programme, initiatives to assist special military operation participants and their families, as well as healthcare modernisation projects. Over the past few years, more than 300 medical facilities have been built or renovated, and by 2030 the region plans to completely update its primary healthcare infrastructure.
Education, culture, and sport are also advancing: new schools, kindergartens, campuses, sports arenas, and biathlon centres are being built. Chelyabinsk is competing for the title of Cultural Capital of Russia 2027, and the region actively supports talented youth and children’s creative groups.
Another topic of discussion was the development of transport and rural infrastructure. Chelyabinsk is implementing a metro tram project, expanding its road network and public transport routes. The region’s agro-industrial complex continues to strengthen: a project to create a domestic poultry crossbreed, Smena-9, is underway, which will help eliminate dependence on imported genetics and ensure food security.
Tankograd Heroes Day
The Chelyabinsk Region Days at the exposition "Region-2030. Platform of the Future" opened with Tankograd Heroes Day. Visitors learned about the labour heroism of the Southern Urals residents and took part in creative workshops dedicated to the events of the Great Patriotic War.
Tankograd Heroes Day was established by the Legislative Assembly of the Chelyabinsk region and is celebrated annually on 6 October in honour of the home front workers. During the war, Chelyabinsk earned the nickname Tankograd (Tank City) — every fifth tank sent to the front was produced there. Today, this day commemorates those who worked in factories and built Victory.
During the celebration, visitors created postcards with St. George ribbons, tanks, and white doves, made T-34 tank badges, and added a new stencil to the stand’s digital graffiti wall — tanks rolling off the assembly line, inspired by wartime photographs.
The Creative Legacy of Arkaim
On 9 October, visitors to the National Centre RUSSIA explored the cultural legacy of the region through workshops on painting wooden cuts and creating brooches decorated with Ural gemstones. The sessions were led by Alexandra Kaptel, a promoter of traditional arts and crafts, who spoke about the ancient settlement of Arkaim — a civilisation that existed in the Chelyabinsk region more than 4,000 years ago and was known for its metalworking, pottery, weaving, and gemstone craftsmanship.
According to Alexandra Kaptel, the workshop allowed participants not only to connect with ancient traditions but also to express their individuality: each gemstone carries a special meaning — health, joy, or happiness.
"From Craft to Art"
One of the main events of the Chelyabinsk Region Days at the National Centre RUSSIA was the series of workshops "From Craft to Art". The sessions were led by Alexandra Kaptel, a promoter of traditional arts and crafts, who introduced participants to the basics of bobbin lace weaving, traditional textile printing on shawls, and the creation of stylish keychains with woven beads.
Visitors also learned about traditional crafts of the Southern Urals, including Zlatoust engraving on steel and Kasli cast iron art. A unique digital mural in the engraving style complemented the mini-exposition "Fusion of Traditions". The atmosphere of folk creativity was enhanced by women wearing costumes from the "Ural Craftsman" collection, created by artisans from the Theatre of Russian Costume at the South Ural State Pedagogical University.
Throughout the thematic week, guests enjoyed new workshops, musical performances by the male quartet "Onegin", interactive games, prizes, and a gastronomic show with tastings of dishes from the Southern Urals. Regional Days run from September to October, with the Chelyabinsk region’s presentation held from 7 to 12 October.
"Dishes from a Camel"
At the National Centre RUSSIA, as part of the Chelyabinsk Region Days, a gastronomic show "Dishes from a Camel" took place, where guests could taste and learn the secrets behind traditional Ural dishes. Yevgeny Mikhaylov, brand chef of the restaurant "Ryabinin Estate", presented rye dough ozerniki with various fillings, shangi with potatoes and mushrooms, and apple vzvar, sharing the nuances of combining culinary techniques while emphasising the importance of preserving regional traditions.
The workshops were continued by Konstantin Lyashkov, brand chef of "Y bistro", and Alexei Belkin, chef, who demonstrated Demidov-style tongue with wild apple marinade and potato pancakes, while sharing their views on the philosophy and principles of Ural cuisine. Guests not only tasted the dishes but also learned about the culture and traditions of the Southern Urals. The music of folk DJ Vlad Ethnic amplified the atmosphere of the region’s authenticity.
Participants noted the high quality and rich flavour of the Ural dishes, while the chefs emphasised that preserving and promoting gastronomic heritage helps not only to develop Russian cuisine but also to form a unique cultural language of mutual respect.
"Atomic Riddles"
As part of the Chelyabinsk Region Days at the exposition "Region-2030. Platform of the Future" at the National Centre RUSSIA, guests took part in intellectual challenges and received generous gifts. On 11 October, the stand hosted "atomic" activities dedicated to the region’s role in developing the national nuclear industry. Visitors solved themed riddles, recalled the legacy of physicist Igor Kurchatov, and learned about the history of the production association Mayak. Those who answered correctly received souvenirs, while sweet treats with fortune notes encouraged optimism and a competitive spirit.
In addition, a special quiz ran throughout the week: guests scanned a QR code, answered questions about the region’s history and achievements in a Telegram channel, and received memorable gifts.
Ural Cuisine for Diplomats
The Chelyabinsk region presented its gastronomic brands at the National Centre RUSSIA during the special event "Dishes from a Camel". This time, ambassadors and diplomats from 20 countries — including Kyrgyzstan, Belarus, Thailand, Brazil, and Uzbekistan — became the guests and tasters. The event marked an important step in promoting Ural cuisine internationally and strengthening the region’s cultural ties.
Guests embarked on a true culinary journey across the Southern Urals. Yevgeny Mikhaylov, brand chef, presented traditional dishes with an author’s touch: shangi with chicken and Ural-style sauce, lamb braised in kvass, and for dessert — Russian babka with baked milk mousse. During the tasting, the chef highlighted the nuances of the recipes, noting that Ural cuisine reflects the character of its people — hardworking and eager to impress.
The presentation was accompanied by a live concert from the folk band "Rich and Famous", who proved that folk music can be both modern and universal. The event concluded with the hope that this gastronomic encounter would inspire future visits of foreign guests to the Chelyabinsk region.
Guests are welcome from Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 to 20:00.
