The strength of the mountains and a brave heart: Ues-Dade from Kabardino-Balkaria speaks to guests of the National Centre RUSSIA about courage and honour

The fourth theatrical performance of the "Winter Wizards" festival at the National Centre RUSSIA introduced the audience to New Year traditions of the Kabardino-Balkarian Republic. To the sound of mountain melodies, the region’s winter wizard, Ues-Dade, appeared on stage. The festival is organised by the National Centre RUSSIA with the support of the Presidential Foundation for Cultural Initiatives. Each performance by the winter wizards is based on folk legends of the indigenous peoples of different regions of the country.

Ues-Dade, which translates as "Winter Elder", arrived at the National Centre RUSSIA in carved sleighs drawn not by reindeer but by real mountain goats — the most agile animals of the Caucasian highlands. With him came his young, but remarkably wise granddaughter, Buz Kyzychyk (meaning "Snow Maiden"). The winter wizard spoke about the core values of his people.

"Respect, courage and honour are the most important qualities in our land. My loyal friend, the Eagle, helps me deliver gifts and watches to ensure that these qualities are shown in people the way they should be. He is very kind, but he does not give presents to all children — only to those who listened to adults and treated their elders politely and respectfully," Ues-Dade told the children.

Ahead of the New Year, the winter wizard of Kabardino-Balkaria headed to the summit of Mount Elbrus to retrieve a magical ice crystal capable of granting wishes. In the meantime, the evil Spirit of Winter kidnapped his faithful friend, the Eagle. Without hesitation, young Buz Kyzychyk set off to rescue him, showing courage far beyond her years.

Her journey led through a dangerous gorge where she saved a hungry eaglet by sharing traditional Balkar flatbreads — khychins. She then had to resist the treacherous magic of a lake that tried to lull her with sweet whispers and overcome a snow avalanche unleashed by icy guardians.

The climax of Buz Kyzychyk’s fairy-tale journey was a real dance battle. Two snowmen, servants of the evil spirit, demanded that she prove her right to approach the captured Eagle in a dance duel. The girl’s graceful national dance sparked warm bursts of light that forced the snowmen to retreat. At that moment, Ues-Dade arrived to help his granddaughter. His Caucasian dagger melted the ice that held the Eagle captive.

The magical performance showed that true strength lies not in power, but in unity, respect for traditions and the willingness to help others. Even the snowmen, who repented their behaviour, were forgiven and invited to join the festive feast.

"My daughter was too shy to answer your question, but she told me afterwards that she realised you should never abandon your friends, even when you are very scared," shared the mother of young spectator Nastya.

The "Winter Wizards" festival will continue delighting Muscovites and visitors to the capital until the end of December on weekends at the National Centre RUSSIA. Next week, on 29 November, the winter wizard Yushto Kugyza from the Republic of Mari El will present his pre-New Year fairy tale.

Further performances will follow this schedule:

30.11 — Theatrical performance based on the legends of Chyskhaan and Ekhee Dyil 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.

At the end of all performances, young guests will enjoy a tour of the "Journey Across Russia" exposition and receive sweet gifts.