In Yakutia, the Day of National Cultures of the Republic's Peoples will be celebrated
Yakutia is preparing for a vibrant three-day festival to mark the Day of National Cultures. The event, running from December 5 to 7, will bring together diverse ethnic groups through music, games, and traditional performances. Organisers have planned a mix of live events in Yakutsk and remote celebrations across the region’s districts.
The festival, titled Harmony of Languages and the Grandeur of Traditions, was established last year by Yakutia’s head, Aisen Nikolayev. It officially falls on the first Sunday of December, with this year’s edition expanding into a weekend-long celebration. In Yakutsk, 14 national cultural associations, creative ensembles, and students from local institutions will take part, showcasing their heritage through performances and interactive activities.
One highlight includes the documentary *Lessons in Yakut*, which follows Russian settlers learning the Yakut language. Another key event is *Chabyrgaakh: The Voice of Ancestors*, a tongue-twister contest in Yakut with 157 participants from across the republic. Meanwhile, the Yakutsk Institute of Water Transport will host *Ethno-Campus: Games of the Peoples of Russia* on December 6, introducing visitors to over 10 traditional games. Districts outside Yakutsk will join remotely, organising their own competitions, concerts, and discussions. The festival’s closing event, *Ethno-Movement*, will feature contemporary ethnic music by DJ Dobun. Unlike earlier speculation, no other DJs have been confirmed for the dancefloor. The programme also includes *Russian as a Bridge of Friendship*, a research project examining how the Russian language has shaped interethnic communication and Yakutia’s growth. Traditional dances, language workshops, and cultural presentations will run alongside tournaments and exhibitions throughout the weekend.
The festival aims to unite Yakutia’s communities through shared traditions and modern creativity. Events will span languages, games, and music, with both local and remote participation. The celebrations will wrap up on December 7 with a lively dancefloor, capping off three days of cultural exchange.
