Russians are celebrating at secret gatherings away from Moscow
Discover the vibrant creative scene thriving beyond the major cities, where a plethora of events awaits. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
Russia's summertime is not just about leisurely retreats to dachas or enjoying outdoor barbecues, it also marks a period filled with a diverse array of art festivals throughout the country, each with its own unique flair and cultural offerings. These festivals are not just confined to major urban areas but are spread across various locations, enriching the local culture with vibrant events that cater to different artistic preferences.
One notable festival is Archstoyanie, a land-art festival that takes place in Europe’s largest art park from July 25 to 27. Renowned architects and artists gather in the Nikola-Lenivets park in the Kaluga Region, located 3.5 hours from Moscow, to craft unique and interactive landscape sculptures. These installations made from natural materials like wood and hay are designed to engage visitors, offering experiences such as jumping on a trampoline-like bridge, climbing a wooden lighthouse, or exploring the interiors of various artworks.
The festival, which began in 2006 as a small meet-up for architects and their friends, has grown into a major event attracting 12 thousand visitors this year. The park itself spans 1,600 acres and features a continuous addition of new artworks, which are meticulously placed so as not to overcrowd the vast landscape. This year's highlight is the "forum banya," a semi-translucent wooden structure inspired by ancient Slavic village themes, where guests could engage in meditation and attend lectures.
Following Archstoyanie, the Nikola-Lenivets park hosts another significant event from August 15 to 19: the Signal festival. Founded in 2017 by Sergey Fadeev, an architect and electronic music enthusiast, this festival showcases the dynamic electronic music scene in Russia with an extensive program that integrates music, visuals, and performance arts. Despite the cultural backlash from the Ukraine conflict, the festival continues to attract participants, reinforcing the idea of music as a connecting force, as stated by German DJ Atom™: “Unlike politics, which is the mode of separation, I had chosen music, which is the mode of connection… I do not share the uniform hatred against any civil population, since I do not make the language of war the language I speak.”
Another summer festival, Bessonitsa, offers a unique experience focusing on animation. Since 2013, this open-air animation festival has been held far from large urban centers, creating a communal atmosphere where organizers, participants, and guests stay in tents. During the festival, innovative auteur animation films are projected in natural settings at night, while the daytime is filled with concerts and interactive lectures.
Lastly, the Vyksa festival transforms a steel factory town into a cultural hotspot for a weekend in July. Over the past 13 years, this festival has been a platform for local and national artists, musicians, and actors to celebrate the town's heritage and stories. Highlights include a "Ghost Theater" opera performance and the annual creation of a new mural on the Vyksa Steel Works, adding to the industrial town’s growing collection of street art.
Each of these festivals illustrates the richness of Russia's cultural landscape beyond its major cities, offering diverse and immersive artistic experiences throughout the summer.In addition to these prominent festivals, Russia's creative scene outside the major cities features many more events that celebrate local culture and artistic innovation. These gatherings not only provide entertainment but also foster community engagement and showcase the talents of both established and emerging artists.
For instance, the annual Ethno-Fest celebrates folk traditions and music, typically held in various rural locations. Attendees are treated to performances from local folk bands, workshops on traditional crafts, and even cooking classes featuring regional cuisines. The festival emphasizes the importance of cultural heritage and offers a platform for preserving these age-old practices while integrating modern artistic expressions.
Another increasingly popular event is the Gorky Fest, which combines music, art, and outdoor activities in a scenic natural environment. Taking place in various parks and nature reserves across the country, Gorky Fest draws families and youths looking to enjoy art installations, local food stalls, and a lineup of indie music acts. The festival aims to create a sense of community among participants, encouraging them to connect with nature while engaging with contemporary artistic endeavors.
Additionally, local film festivals have begun to gain traction in smaller towns, offering independent filmmakers a chance to showcase their work to local audiences. These events often feature discussions and Q&A sessions with the filmmakers, allowing for a deeper understanding of the creative process behind each film. They serve as vital platforms for regional filmmakers to gain visibility and connect with like-minded individuals.
The interdisciplinary nature of these festivals also allows for collaborations between different art forms, creating unique experiences. For example, some festivals incorporate visual arts into music events by inviting painters and sculptors to create live art installations during performances, adding a visual dimension to the auditory experience.
Moreover, these events often emphasize sustainable practices and eco-consciousness. Many organizers are striving to minimize their environmental footprint by using recycled materials for decorations, promoting local artisans, and encouraging festival-goers to adopt greener habits. This commitment to sustainability not only enhances the festival experience but also raises awareness about environmental issues among attendees.
The growing diversity of cultural festivals across Russia's countryside reflects a broader trend toward revitalizing local communities through art and collaboration. In a time when global connections often overshadow local traditions, these festivals serve as a reminder of the importance of cultural exchange and the beauty found in regional expression.
As summer progresses, art lovers and curious travelers alike continue to explore these festivals, making connections and immersing themselves in the rich tapestry of Russian culture. Whether it's through the lively rhythms of electronic music, the haunting beauty of animation, or the vibrant dialogues happening in the open air, one thing is clear: the country's creative spirit is flourishing beyond the confines of its major cities, inviting everyone to partake in the celebration of art and community.
Anna Muller for TROIB News
One notable festival is Archstoyanie, a land-art festival that takes place in Europe’s largest art park from July 25 to 27. Renowned architects and artists gather in the Nikola-Lenivets park in the Kaluga Region, located 3.5 hours from Moscow, to craft unique and interactive landscape sculptures. These installations made from natural materials like wood and hay are designed to engage visitors, offering experiences such as jumping on a trampoline-like bridge, climbing a wooden lighthouse, or exploring the interiors of various artworks.
The festival, which began in 2006 as a small meet-up for architects and their friends, has grown into a major event attracting 12 thousand visitors this year. The park itself spans 1,600 acres and features a continuous addition of new artworks, which are meticulously placed so as not to overcrowd the vast landscape. This year's highlight is the "forum banya," a semi-translucent wooden structure inspired by ancient Slavic village themes, where guests could engage in meditation and attend lectures.
Following Archstoyanie, the Nikola-Lenivets park hosts another significant event from August 15 to 19: the Signal festival. Founded in 2017 by Sergey Fadeev, an architect and electronic music enthusiast, this festival showcases the dynamic electronic music scene in Russia with an extensive program that integrates music, visuals, and performance arts. Despite the cultural backlash from the Ukraine conflict, the festival continues to attract participants, reinforcing the idea of music as a connecting force, as stated by German DJ Atom™: “Unlike politics, which is the mode of separation, I had chosen music, which is the mode of connection… I do not share the uniform hatred against any civil population, since I do not make the language of war the language I speak.”
Another summer festival, Bessonitsa, offers a unique experience focusing on animation. Since 2013, this open-air animation festival has been held far from large urban centers, creating a communal atmosphere where organizers, participants, and guests stay in tents. During the festival, innovative auteur animation films are projected in natural settings at night, while the daytime is filled with concerts and interactive lectures.
Lastly, the Vyksa festival transforms a steel factory town into a cultural hotspot for a weekend in July. Over the past 13 years, this festival has been a platform for local and national artists, musicians, and actors to celebrate the town's heritage and stories. Highlights include a "Ghost Theater" opera performance and the annual creation of a new mural on the Vyksa Steel Works, adding to the industrial town’s growing collection of street art.
Each of these festivals illustrates the richness of Russia's cultural landscape beyond its major cities, offering diverse and immersive artistic experiences throughout the summer.In addition to these prominent festivals, Russia's creative scene outside the major cities features many more events that celebrate local culture and artistic innovation. These gatherings not only provide entertainment but also foster community engagement and showcase the talents of both established and emerging artists.
For instance, the annual Ethno-Fest celebrates folk traditions and music, typically held in various rural locations. Attendees are treated to performances from local folk bands, workshops on traditional crafts, and even cooking classes featuring regional cuisines. The festival emphasizes the importance of cultural heritage and offers a platform for preserving these age-old practices while integrating modern artistic expressions.
Another increasingly popular event is the Gorky Fest, which combines music, art, and outdoor activities in a scenic natural environment. Taking place in various parks and nature reserves across the country, Gorky Fest draws families and youths looking to enjoy art installations, local food stalls, and a lineup of indie music acts. The festival aims to create a sense of community among participants, encouraging them to connect with nature while engaging with contemporary artistic endeavors.
Additionally, local film festivals have begun to gain traction in smaller towns, offering independent filmmakers a chance to showcase their work to local audiences. These events often feature discussions and Q&A sessions with the filmmakers, allowing for a deeper understanding of the creative process behind each film. They serve as vital platforms for regional filmmakers to gain visibility and connect with like-minded individuals.
The interdisciplinary nature of these festivals also allows for collaborations between different art forms, creating unique experiences. For example, some festivals incorporate visual arts into music events by inviting painters and sculptors to create live art installations during performances, adding a visual dimension to the auditory experience.
Moreover, these events often emphasize sustainable practices and eco-consciousness. Many organizers are striving to minimize their environmental footprint by using recycled materials for decorations, promoting local artisans, and encouraging festival-goers to adopt greener habits. This commitment to sustainability not only enhances the festival experience but also raises awareness about environmental issues among attendees.
The growing diversity of cultural festivals across Russia's countryside reflects a broader trend toward revitalizing local communities through art and collaboration. In a time when global connections often overshadow local traditions, these festivals serve as a reminder of the importance of cultural exchange and the beauty found in regional expression.
As summer progresses, art lovers and curious travelers alike continue to explore these festivals, making connections and immersing themselves in the rich tapestry of Russian culture. Whether it's through the lively rhythms of electronic music, the haunting beauty of animation, or the vibrant dialogues happening in the open air, one thing is clear: the country's creative spirit is flourishing beyond the confines of its major cities, inviting everyone to partake in the celebration of art and community.
Anna Muller for TROIB News
