Nizhny Novgorod tram, Kamchatka crab and the "choir of a thousand": the surprises the International RUSSIA EXPO on its opening day

The International RUSSIA EXPO started its work at VDNH in Moscow on the National Unity Day: it showcases the achievements of all 89 regions, federal ministries, companies and public organizations. The starting day at the Exposition featured concerts and educational events, openings of new pavilions and presentations.  

"On the first day, the International RUSSIA EXPO aroused tremendous interest among visitors, which is confirmed by the number of guests. Each exposition is family-oriented, so educational and entertaining events will surprise both adults and children", - said Natalia Virtuozova, Director General of the ANO «Directorate of the Exhibition of Achievements "Russia"».

The program of the Exposition opening started with a massive flash mob: hundreds of guests together with professional choreographers danced on 10 venues of VDNH at once.

The gastronomic festival "Russia - Territory of Taste" opened in the new pavilion "House of Russian Cuisine". Chefs and restaurateurs from regions and cities from Vladivostok to Kaliningrad presented the distinctive features of the cuisine of the peoples of Russia. Russian goods from farmers and the best collections of the domestic fashion industry were presented in the Department Store zone in Pavilion No. 75. 

Children from the regions of Russia visited the exposition of Pavilion No. 1 "First in Russia - Land of Opportunity". Singer Shaman performed the song "I am Russian" together with thousand young artists of the "Choir of the First".

In Pavilion No. 75 stands of all Russian regions were opened. The exposition of St. Petersburg presented the history of the development of the northern capital from pre-Petrine times to the present day and the possibility of interactive walks around the city. Among the regional stands visitors can already see a huge figure of a crab at the stand of Kamchatka, visit the insides of the Angara rocket at the exposition of the Omsk region, enter the Khakass yurt, look at Altai, see the Nizhny Novgorod tram "MiNiN" and visit the city using touch-portal "Meet Nizhny".

On November 4, expositions of Russian ministries, major companies and state corporations opened for visitors. Everyone could learn more about the use of advanced technologies in the work of the Government and about the leading projects of authorities and departments. For example, the Ministry of Agriculture presented "Novo-Prostokvashino" - a prototype of a modern village with all the necessary infrastructure. The Ministry of Labour of Russia showed the first interactive map of "Active Longevity" as part of the exposition "Family. Work. Longevity", and an immersive exposition of the Ministry of Education for responsible families with children started its work in Pavilion No. 57. Furthermore, in honor of the start of the event, the Russian Post issued a special stamp with the symbols of the event. Its circulation will amount to 72,000 copies. 

The first day of the Exposition ended with a grand concert: the was a performance "The Book of Folk Wisdom" with Larisa Dolina, and Shaman opened the musical and multimedia performance "Portal to the Future". That evening one could also hear hits by Yulianna Karaulova, Natalia Podolskaya and Khibla Gerzmava. The show combined electronic and symphonic music and was broadcasted on the Arch of the Main Entrance of VDNH.

The International RUSSIA EXPO is a demonstration of the country's most important achievements gathered in one place. Visitors can enjoy the expositions. Cultural and entertainment events, a rich business and educational program are also waiting for guests. Representatives of federal authorities, large corporations, public associations will take part in the exposition. The International RUSSIA EXPO will last until April 12, 2024.