The magic of folk traditions: "A Fairytale Path" kolyadovaniya celebrations begin at the National Centre RUSSIA
Pie dough in Stavropol, a magical fishing net in Karelia, and lasso throwing on Yamal. The theatrical kolyadovaniya (carolling) celebrations titled "A Fairytale Path" have started at the National Centre RUSSIA. This unique project, implemented in the format of an interactive tour, invites children to embark on an unforgettable journey across the regions of the country.
"The National Centre RUSSIA is opening the theatrical carolling celebrations titled 'A Fairytale Path', dedicated to our Christmas traditions. With the help of fairytales and folklore characters, our guests become acquainted with the customs of different regions of Russia. The year 2026 has been declared by our President, Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, as the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia. The National Centre is the place where we preserve and convey this unity through love for the Motherland, respect for its cultural diversity, and the importance of strong family bonds," said Anastasia Zvyagina, Deputy Director General of the National Centre RUSSIA.
The fairytale performance began in the "Library" space of the new "Book of Fairytales" exposition. The guides for the young guests were eight folklore characters from different corners of Russia: from the Cossack Ded Moroz from Stavropol and the Karelian Frost Spirit Pakkayne to the Polar Giant from Yamal and the homlin Grandfather Karl from Kaliningrad. All the characters took turns to guide the young guests.
The children learned to go carolling (in Russian — "kolyadovat"), moving from one fairytale "hut" to another. Each location represented a different region with its own legends and traditional games. They learned to knead "dough" for a Christmas pie in Stavropol, used a cast net to "catch fish" in Karelia, dressed up and played a game called kocherga (literally "poker") in the Komi Republic.
"I came here to have some fun because I was told it's always like this during carolling. What surprised me most was that it was interesting for children of all ages. From the very little ones to those older, like me. I will definitely come here again to have a proper look at everything," said a young guest, Rodion Novikov.
The main goal of the "Fairytale Path" carolling is not just entertainment, but upbringing through culture. Each character conveyed timeless, traditional values to the guests in a playful form.
"I help the leading Ded Moroz bring up our little heroes: to respect elders, not to offend the young, to love their land and honour its history," the Cossack Ded Moroz explained his role.
In the residence of Ded Moroz from the Vologda region, guests played the ancient game "Kalechina-malechina". And Vologda lace and treats became an occasion to talk about generosity, hospitality, and family gatherings. The Mordovian Snow Maiden, named Lovnyaske, introduced children to the symbolism of folk ornament and taught them to see deep meaning in traditional crafts.
"Look at the patterns! These are not just drawings – each of them means something: the sun, water. We decorate everything with these patterns – wooden toys, matryoshka dolls, mittens, and felt boots. And also, in the old days, when people went carolling, they dressed up as different animals and sang songs," said Lovnyaske.
The Polar Giant from Yamal caused particular delight among the young visitors. He suggested making a wish under a symbolic northern lights display, then spoke about the boundless expanses of the tundra, his mighty swamp vehicle "Sever" (North), and the most amazing natural phenomenon – the Polar Night.
"On the Yamal peninsula, in January, the sun hides! Can you imagine it? It's called the Polar Night! Day and night – it's dark all the same. But when February comes, the sun appears again, and a real celebration is held; it's a tradition to gather with the whole family! Legends and songs are dedicated to the sun, gifts are presented – for example, white reindeer, on whose sides an image of the sun is drawn. Families greet the first rays of the sun, perform ritual songs, and conduct ceremonies," the Polar Giant revealed one of the most poetic traditions of his people.
Through his story, the Giant taught children resilience, hospitality, and a special, careful attitude towards light and warmth. The children eagerly mastered the national Yamal pastime – throwing a tynzyan (lasso) onto a khorei (pole), thereby learning to be northern hunters.
"On Yamal, they have some very unusual traditions, which are not like ours. I liked the stories about the sun, too. It turns out it might not be there at all. And the games on Yamal are very fun, it was really great," said a young guest, Sofia Tolmachyova.
The journey concluded in the "main Terem" of the Fairytale Path with a joint flash mob and the presentation of commemorative gifts. "The fairytale doesn't end; it begins right now!" were the words with which all the characters saw off the young guests.
"The main thing for us is the child's gaze and reaction. When you catch that contact, you understand that our task is not to impress with special effects or a complex plot. We speak to the soul directly, through simple and kind images. If the eyes light up in response – it means, we managed to touch something real. And this goodness, sown in childhood, will help them, as they grow up, to distinguish true values from false ones," said Artyom Orlov, the performer of the role of the leading Ded Moroz.
The next colourful theatrical carolling celebrations "A Fairytale Path" will take place at the National Centre RUSSIA from 7 to 11 January. You can learn more and register for the carolling on the website russia.ru in the "Events" section.
Event photobank
On 6 January, a showing of the multi-genre performance "Morozko" took place at the National Centre RUSSIA. It was held for guests and veterans of the special military operation who participate.
The touching event took place as part of the nationwide "New Year Tree of Wishes" campaign.
