The National Centre RUSSIA nevalyashka — an informal mascot of IFY-2026

The National Centre RUSSIA is taking part in the programme of the International Festival of Youth — 2026, which is being held in Yekaterinburg from 11 to 17 September. The festival space features the flagship Department Store project, offering unique products from Russian manufacturers and a series of workshops on traditional folk arts and crafts from the country's regions. Participants can also look forward to a special gift from the National Centre RUSSIA — a nevalyashka (roly-poly toy) dressed as Cheburashka, one of the festival's mascots.

Cheburashka is one of the best-known characters in Russian literature and animation, recognised and loved around the world. He embodies kindness, sincerity, openness and friendship — values that unite the participants of IFY-2026. This is why the National Centre RUSSIA is giving the festival a special gift — a unique nevalyashka "dressed" in a Cheburashka costume. The new look highlights the key ideas that the National Centre RUSSIA conveys to the world: openness, goodwill, resilience and respect for cultural diversity.

Themed versions of the nevalyashka have previously been part of the National Centre RUSSIA's presence at international expositions and forums, with each one reflecting the image and character of a friendly country. At "INNOPROM. Central Asia" in Tashkent, the famous Russian toy appeared in bright patterns and the traditional colours of Uzbekistan. In China, the nevalyashka was dressed in the national colours of the People's Republic of China — red and yellow — as well as in a panda costume, representing one of the country's unofficial symbols. At "INNOPROM" in New Delhi, a nevalyashka in a sari won over the Indian public. All these versions of the toy consistently became hits at the Department Store RUSSIA and vivid symbols of friendship and cooperation between countries.

The National Centre RUSSIA stand at IFY-2026 is located at the heart of the "Cultural Code" thematic space. The flagship Department Store RUSSIA project will operate here, giving guests an opportunity to discover a unique collection of Russian-made products, from leading contemporary brands to folk arts and crafts. One of the main attractions will be the interactive installation "Nevalyashki" — a composition of 250 colourful figures arranged in a single wave. A separate part of the programme will be dedicated to traditional crafts. The creative workshops at the National Centre RUSSIA stand at IFY-2026 will offer a rare opportunity to uncover the secrets of crafts that have been preserved for centuries and passed down from generation to generation.

The National Centre RUSSIA programme at IFY-2026 will not be limited to the Department Store and traditional crafts. The Open Dialogue events taking place on 15 September will be among the programme's central highlights. During the festival, the National Centre RUSSIA venue will also host meetings with participants of the III All-Russian Wedding Festival "Russia. Uniting Hearts" and graduates of the first season of the Young Journalists School.