Youth participants from around the world are continuing their exploration of Russia as part of the World Youth Festival. The festival’s regional program has organized a sweeping itinerary that includes five thematic routes, inviting two thousand delegates from 147 countries to experience the depth and diversity of the country. The aim is clear: to immerse young visitors in Russia’s layered history, rich traditions, vibrant cultures, and the remarkable landscapes that define its vast geography. Through curated journeys, participants get a front row seat to the evolving story of a nation that blends ancient heritage with modern innovation.
From the outset, the travel plan is designed to offer more than sightseeing. It is a structured exposure to the country’s heritage and its living, breathing present. Travelers encounter historic towns, renowned museums, and contemporary art scenes while also meeting local students, artisans, and professionals who illuminate how culture and industry intersect in modern Russia. The itineraries weave together educational lectures, interactive exhibitions, and hands-on experiences that allow participants to witness both the continuity and change shaping the region.
On March 13, foreign participants scheduled a guided tour of Nizhny Novgorod, a city famed for its architectural beauty and cultural vitality. They explored the historic center, admired iconic landmarks, and engaged with the exhibition Walking in Old Nizhny, which offered a sensory journey through the city’s past. Lectures explored urban development, municipal governance, and the city’s contemporary art scene, providing context for how tradition informs today’s creative energy. A regional fashion showcase followed, presenting ensembles by student fashion theaters from the area and highlighting the next generation of designers alongside local textile heritage.
Meanwhile, a thematic route in Tula offered a layered view of the city’s heroic history. Delegates learned about the defenders who safeguarded the skies and explored sites such as Victory Square, Patriotism Park, and the Tula Defense Museum. The day concluded with a ceremonial moment at the Three Bayonets memorial complex, where visitors laid flowers and reflected on the sacrifices that shaped the region. A time capsule was placed, carrying messages for future generations and symbolizing a bridge between past and future creativity and resilience.
The Dagestan route showcased the region’s dramatic natural beauty, with a visit to Sulak Canyon, a formation celebrated for its depth and geological significance. Participants stood in awe of the canyon’s scale, gaining insights into the environmental forces that created such a striking landscape and the ways in which local communities steward these precious natural resources for education, tourism, and sustainable development.
The last day of the regional exploration occurred on March 13 as well, with a journey to Crimea to visit the Tavrida art cluster. Delegates encountered a living hub of contemporary arts, music, and performance that reflects Crimea’s diverse cultural mosaic and ongoing creative dialogue with the broader Russian arts ecosystem. The cluster’s programs highlighted collaboration across disciplines and the role of regional hubs in expanding access to cultural production for young creators from many backgrounds.
Looking ahead, participants will travel to Moscow to participate in the International Russia Exhibition and Forum. This transitional moment connects regional discoveries with national scale platforms, offering opportunities to network with peers, mentors, and leaders in art, culture, science, and industry. The dialogue aims to spark cross-border collaboration, inspire future projects, and strengthen the ties among youth from different countries who share a commitment to cultural exchange and mutual understanding.
Alongside the festival activities, the Meganom Creative Industries Academy hosted a tour where foreign guests learned about the academy’s mission and programs. The site emphasizes practical training for young professionals in culture, fine arts, and the creative economy, underscoring the importance of hands-on learning, mentorship, and real-world projects for emerging talents. The experience demonstrated how creative education can empower young people to contribute to a thriving cultural sector, both locally and globally.