Participants in the III All-Russian Wedding Festival receive congratulations at an altitude of 10,000 metres

For the first time, the National Centre RUSSIA and Aeroflot launched a joint initiative for participants in the III All-Russian Wedding Festival "Russia. Uniting Hearts". Couples from across Russia received special congratulations on board Aeroflot flights as they travelled to one of the most important events of their lives — both before their wedding ceremony and afterwards, as newlyweds returning home.

The journey to the festival became the first chapter of the couples' family celebration. During the flights, Aeroflot crews congratulated the engaged couples on their forthcoming wedding, wishing them love, mutual understanding, happiness and many years of family life together. Congratulations were also offered on the journey home, but this time the warm wishes were addressed not simply to couples, but to newly formed families. These heartfelt messages helped create a festive atmosphere before the festival and allowed participants to carry that sense of celebration with them afterwards.

The III All-Russian Wedding Festival "Russia. Uniting Hearts" brought together couples from across the country — from Vladivostok to Kaliningrad — as well as participants from other countries at the National Centre RUSSIA. This year's festival was held under the theme "United in Love".

Photo: Aeroflot Press-Office

The festival programme showcased the wedding traditions of the peoples of Russia, contemporary culture and family values. The newlyweds began their journey together with a cruise along the Moskva River, where they were greeted by residents of the capital. They then joined a festive procession to the National Centre RUSSIA. Along the route, eight artistic installations represented Russia's federal districts, celebrating their cultural diversity through traditional costumes, dance and decorative arts. Many couples also chose to wear traditional national wedding attire or contemporary interpretations of it, highlighting the rich legacy of their regions.

The festival culminated in the musical and choreographic parable "Khorovod. Wedding", which brought together folk traditions, contemporary art and the participants' own love stories. The second day concluded with a communal khorovod round dance involving the newlyweds and performing ensembles, followed by the ceremonial passing of the flame from the "Heart of Russia" All-Russian Family Hearth to the new families — a symbol of love, continuity between generations and enduring family traditions.

A recording of the ceremonial wedding and the musical and choreographic parable "Khorovod. Wedding" is available on the National Centre RUSSIA website in the "Livestreams and Videos" section.