The first winter wizard gave a performance at the National Centre RUSSIA
The "Winter Wizards" festival opened on 15 November at the National Centre RUSSIA. As the New Year season began, 19 main winter characters from different regions of the country ceremonially arrived in Moscow. Each of them has prepared a unique theatrical performance that showcases the regional traditions of celebrating the New Year. The first hero of the large pre-New Year parade of winter wizards was Khel Muchi from the Chuvash Republic. The project is supported by the Presidential Foundation for Cultural Initiatives.
"The festival is a living map of New Year’s Russia, woven from the magical threads of legends and folklore from different regions of our country. In the space of the National Centre RUSSIA, traditions come to life, and we want our children to see that the New Year miracle is multifaceted – and that it has 19 wonderful magical heroes, each with a unique story. Most winter wizard characters are rooted in ancient folklore, but there are also very young ones – for example, Pakkayne from Karelia, who does not even have a beard. So come to our festival with the whole family – you will find plenty of discoveries, as well as gifts and surprises," said Deputy Director General of the National Centre RUSSIA, Anastasia Zvyagina.
Khel Muchi, whose name translates from Chuvash as "Old Man Frost", is known for his musical talents. He is the only one among Russia’s winter characters who handcrafts ancient musical instruments and plays them virtuoso.
"I really liked the fairy tale we saw today, and especially the fact that this Ded Moroz is very musical," said young guest Maksim Istomin.
Khel Muchi arrived at the National Centre RUSSIA with a magical musical staff and his loyal friends – Aunt Stove (Kamaki) and the Leshy (Arshyuri). Together with Kamaki’s young grandson, the children – more than 200 of them – set off on a journey to his residence. Their path was filled with adventures and magical transformations, and at the end of the performance they heard a simple but important message: you must have a kind heart and show sensitivity and care for others – and then miracles will certainly happen.
"The most important thing, children, is always to believe in miracles. Whatever happens, when you believe in a miracle, life becomes brighter and easier. And be kind and attentive to yourselves and to the world around you – do not be afraid to interact with it, and you will see how it begins to respond and help you," Khel Muchi told the young audience.
The festival "Winter Wizards" will run from 15 November until the end of December.
The large programme includes 18 theatrical performances that tell the stories of each winter wizard and the regional traditions of celebrating the New Year. After each performance, young visitors will take a guided tour of the "Journey Across Russia" exposition, followed by a quiz where they can win a sweet treat. We invite young visitors to attend the following performances in their New Year costumes.
The next winter wizard to present his story at the National Centre RUSSIA on 16 November will be Sagaan Ubgen from the Republic of Buryatia. Further performances will follow this schedule:
22.11 – Theatrical performance based on the legend of Kodzyd Polya from the Komi Republic
23.11 – Theatrical performance based on the legend of Ues-Dade from the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic
29.11 – Theatrical performance based on the legend of Yushto Kugyza from the Republic of Mari El
29.11 – Theatrical performance based on the legend of Chyskhaan from the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia)
29.11 – Theatrical performance based on the legend of Ekhee Dyila from the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia)
30.11 – Theatrical performance based on the legends of Chyskhaan and Ekhee Dyila from the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia)
07.12 – Theatrical performance based on the legend of the Cossack Ded Moroz from the Stavropol region
07.12 – Theatrical performance based on the legend of Mytyn Dada from the Republic of North Ossetia–Alania
13.12 – Theatrical performance based on the legends of Pakkayne, Talvi Ukko and Halla from the Republic of Karelia
14.12 – Theatrical performance based on the legend of Yakshamo Atya from the Republic of Mordovia
20.12 – Theatrical performance based on the legend of Yamal Iri from the Yamal-Nenets Autonomous Area
20.12 – Theatrical performance based on the legend of Sook Irey from the Republic of Tuva
21.12 – Theatrical performance based on the legend of Ded Moroz from the Vologda region
27.12 – Theatrical performance based on the legend of Tol Babay from the Udmurt Republic
27.12 – Theatrical performance based on the legend of the Ryazan Ded Moroz from the Ryazan region
28.12 – Theatrical performance based on the legend of Kysh Babay from the Republic of Tatarstan
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