The educational marathon "Russia — a Family of Families" launched at the National Centre RUSSIA
The educational marathon "Russia — a Family of Families" organised by the Russian society Znanie and dedicated to the launch of the Year of Unity of the Peoples of the country opened on 5 February at the National Centre RUSSIA. The event brought together more than four thousand participants — representatives of over 190 peoples of the Russian Federation, as well as international guests. Participants are learning about the cultural and linguistic diversity that enriches the country and serves as an advantage in an era of geopolitical change. The marathon was opened by the Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, Tatyana Golikova.
"The Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia is truly a landmark event. This year is about each of us, because it is our multinational people who form the foundation of the unity of our great country. It is symbolic that the opening is taking place at the National Centre RUSSIA — a place where the best traditions and generational ties are brought together, and where the country’s achievements and victories are presented. Russia is home to 194 peoples, each of whom is unique and distinctive. A defining feature of our interaction has always been mutual understanding and unity. Throughout more than a thousand years of state history, it has been cohesion, consolidation and unity that have helped the country develop and overcome the most difficult trials. This was the case during times of war, it is the case now, and it will always be so," Tatyana Golikova addressed the participants.
The Deputy Prime Minister also noted that the country’s strength lies in its intangible heritage: Russia has around 300 languages, making it the most multilingual country in the world. Seventy-five languages are taught in schools, media operate in 65 languages, and books are published in 90 languages. For this reason, in 2022 the President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin, signed a decree on the intangible ethnocultural heritage of the Russian Federation — encompassing fairy tales, epic poems, dances, songs and cuisine.
"I cannot fail to mention our indigenous small-numbered peoples of the North, Siberia and the Far East. There are 47 such peoples living across 28 regions of the country. That is why another very important document that came into force in 2026 is the concept for the development of the indigenous small-numbered peoples of the North, Siberia and the Far East, aimed at preserving traditions and places of residence. This is all something we must focus on, invest in together and develop," Tatyana Golikova added.
Following the opening of the marathon, the Deputy Prime Minister visited spaces dedicated to sports, creative and culinary master classes focused on the culture, traditions and history of the peoples of Russia. She explored the multimedia exposition "Heroes of the Special Military Operation: The Feat of Unity", the folk literature library, the "Book of Fairy Tales" exposition, and the interactive zone "17 Traditional Values of Russia", which introduces the principles that unite the peoples of the country.
The main event will be the ceremonial opening of the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia. The ceremony will connect all regions through a televised link with participants from 89 constituent entities of the Russian Federation.
Throughout the day, expositions, fashion shows and lectures by public figures, Heroes of Russia, outstanding athletes and representatives of the arts are taking place at the National Centre RUSSIA as part of the marathon. Guests can take part in creative, sports and culinary master classes led by well-known experts. Screenings of documentary films about the nature, culture and history of Altai, the Russian North and Kamchatka are also being held. A folk literature library is operating, featuring works by prominent writers of different peoples. In the Gastronomic Rows, the team of chefs from the project "Gastronomic Map of Russia" is introducing young people to the culinary traditions of the peoples of the country.
Across Russian cities today, more than 2,000 events are being held for young people, children and adults — from friendship circle dances in national costumes to folk fairs, celebrations, traditional games, culinary festivals and exhibitions of folk art.
An online flash mob #WEARERUSSIA has also been launched, with families from across the country posting videos on social media sharing their family traditions and personal stories.
The educational event of the Russian society Znanie is organised in partnership with the Government of Russia, the Federal Agency for Nationalities, Rosmolodezh, the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, the Presidential Council for Interethnic Relations, the National Centre RUSSIA, the House of the Peoples of Russia, the Assembly of the Peoples of Russia, and the Eksmo-AST Publishing Group.
