On May 26, the concert of the International Youth Creative Festival-Competition "Pride in Cultural Unity!" took place at Omsk State Pedagogical University.
The festival brought together participants from 37 regions of Russia, as well as from Kazakhstan, China, India, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Peru, and Madagascar. Before the concert, an opening of an exhibition of the participants' works in the "Art and Craft" category was held: all guests were able to see works dedicated to the unity and diversity of the cultures of Russia.
Olga Bezrodnaya, Deputy Minister of Culture of the Omsk Region, addressed the festival participants with a welcoming speech: "In the year when Omsk holds the status of the Cultural Capital of Russia, and the President has declared the Year of Unity of Nations, it is impossible to imagine a better event than this festival. 'Pride in Cultural Unity!' is a wonderful name for a creative competition dedicated to the cultures of different peoples, where each culture is revealed through creative means: through dance, song, poetry, and instrumental performance. All of these reveal the richness that exists within every culture."
The guests of the event saw a vibrant dance program: choreography of various peoples living in Russia was presented on stage. The audience was also delighted by instrumental creativity: festival participants demonstrated masterful playing of national musical instruments. The evening's special atmosphere was further enhanced by the vocal program: songs in Serbian, Armenian, Tatar, and other languages resonated throughout the hall.
Natalia Makarova, Rector of Omsk State Pedagogical University, notes: "The name of our festival, 'Pride in Cultural Unity!', does not mean that we are all the same. It emphasizes our shared value foundation. Today, each participant showcases the unique features of their culture through traditional values. At the core of these values are patriotism, responsibility for the country’s fate, a strong family, mercy, and justice. These are the very meanings that the festival participants convey through their performances. Such unity does not erase differences but rather highlights the distinct identity of each culture, evoking a sincere response from young people."
