The international exhibition and forum “Russia” marked a major milestone by commemorating the 225th birth anniversary of the legendary Russian poet Alexander Pushkin. A wide celebration unfolded with a dramatic, citywide energy as more than 500 visitors gathered to participate in a poetic flash mob, delivering a shared reading from the poem Ruslan and Lyudmila, including the memorable line there is a green oak tree near Lukomorye. The moment captured the timeless charm of Pushkin’s verse and the way his poetry continues to connect people across generations and borders.
The festive events unfolded within the venue designated Regions of Russia, a setting that brought together regional flavors, cultural displays, and a sense of national storytelling in a single space.
Deputy General Director of the exhibition, Anastasia Zvyagina, highlighted the remarkable turnout that included both adults and children from every region of the country, as well as many international visitors. The inclusive, cross-border participation amplified the celebratory spirit and underscored Pushkin’s enduring influence on language, literature, and cultural identity.
In addition to the birthday tributes, foreign guests were welcome at the BRICS+ festival celebrating theater education. The international gathering featured participants from multiple countries, demonstrating the global reach of regional theater traditions and the collaborative energy that streams through BRICS+ cultural exchange.
“Pushkin helped shape the living Russian language and his works remain unshakable in their relevance. They bridge nations and generations, and we are proud to honor them,” Zvyagina remarked, noting that the poet’s voice continues to resonate beyond borders and time.
The day’s celebrations culminated in a vibrant theatrical procession themed Oh yes, Pushkin! Well done! More than a thousand attendees moved through the pavilion, weaving between halls where regional exhibitions displayed diverse interpretations of Pushkin’s legacy. A brass band accompanied the procession, lending a triumphant, communal soundtrack as participants finally exited the pavilion together, marking the close of the day’s program with a sense of shared pride and cultural continuity.
The BRICS+ International Youth Theater Festival was scheduled to run at the exhibition from June 1 to June 8, offering a platform for emergent voices from the region to present work influenced by Pushkin and his literary heritage, while exploring contemporary themes in performance and stagecraft.
Representatives from India, China, South Africa, Russia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and Belarus joined the assembly, bringing a spectrum of theatrical approaches and training traditions to the discussion and showcases arranged around the festival’s core themes.
“A central idea in Pushkin’s oeuvre is the acceptance of one’s own reality. Whatever language one speaks, it speaks to the soul,” reflected Asanda Mngadi, a Cape Town student who attended the festival, highlighting how the poet’s work continues to inhabit minds and hearts across cultures and continents.