On July 2-5, 2026, VDNKH, Russia’s principal exhibition and museum complex, became a vibrant hub of intercultural dialogue. Held for the sixth time, the Friendship of Peoples Festival set a new attendance record bringing together representatives of more than 40 nationalities. The large-scale event concluded with a spectacular gala concert leaving visitors with unforgettable memories and a wealth of positive emotions.
According to the organizers, the festival attracted more than 150,000 visitors ranging from local families with children to international tourists. The programme featured performances by 58 artistic groups. The events took place across 12 VDNKH pavilions including those representing the CIS member states, as well as at outdoor venues surrounding the Friendship of Peoples Fountain, which served as one of the festival’s central gathering places.
On July 3, the festival hosted the panel discussion entitled “Creative Economy: 35 Years of Development across the Commonwealth” with Mikhail Myskin, the Director of the Department for Economic Cooperation of the CIS Executive committee as one of the speakers.
The festival concluded on July 5 with the “Jubilee Kaleidoscope” concert dedicated to the 35th anniversary of the Commonwealth of Independent States. The programme featured artistic groups from across the Commonwealth, interactive traditional circle dances, and musical performances by artists from Russia and other countries.
Once again, VDNKH reaffirmed its status as a leading exhibition venue for the CIS member states – a place where cultural, educational, entertainment, and exhibition initiatives come together and where people of different nationalities, united by a shared history and a common aspiration to live in peace and friendship, meet and celebrate their cultural diversity.
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