Eight regions in one journey: children's theatrical carols performances continue at the National Centre RUSSIA

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Young visitors to the National Centre RUSSIA were able to learn about the culture and traditions of eight different regions of the country in just an hour and a half on 7 January. During the New Year holidays, the large-scale theatrical kolyadki (carols) performances "A Fairytale Path" continue here as part of the "Book of Fairy Tales" exposition.

The interactive project "A Fairytale Path" has brought together the traditions of festive carols singing from eight regions of the country in one space. Each of the eight folklore characters — from the Cossack Ded Moroz from Stavropol to the Polar Giant from Yamal and the Homlin Grandfather Karl from the Kaliningrad region — introduces young participants to the unique local traditions of folk festivities and Christmas celebrations. The project also features characters from the Republics of Karelia, Mordovia and Komi, as well as the Ryazan and Vologda regions.

The event has been organised with the participation of the National Centre RUSSIA's partners — the Movement of the First.

Moving from one fairytale "hut" to another accompanied by performers, dancers and folk musicians, through games, dances and fascinating stories, the children gain an understanding of the country's cultural diversity and learn to respect traditions passed down from generation to generation.

Young visitors Artemiy and Daniil honestly admitted that they enjoyed absolutely everything, and joyfully repeated in chorus the main verse of the carol they had learnt together with the hosts:

"We have come to sing kolyadki,
To sing songs and dance,
To wish you happiness and joy,
And to receive gifts."

The children learnt that traditional ritual activities such as kneading dough for Christmas pie, lasso throwing and even simple old-fashioned games are not just useful and entertaining pastimes, but also a key to understanding cultural legacy and traditional values, and that participating in kolyadki celebrations makes people kinder, happier and closer to one another. At the end of the dynamic journey, the young visitors enjoyed the interactive "Round Dance" and "Rucheyek" activities in the main tower of "A Fairytale Path," a group photo for memory, and, of course, New Year gifts.

"I am glad that today I got to know different cultures, and it was very nice and fun to dance in the round dance and collect gifts. Happy New Year to everyone," said young guest Artyom Berezin.

The next colourful theatrical kolyadki performances "A Fairytale Path" will take place at the National Centre RUSSIA from 8 to 11 January. To find out more and register for the kolyadki, visit russia.ru in the "Events" section.