Do you want to become part of an international community of young leaders? Then this is the place for you! Join our international youth community at wyffest.com and stay updated. Russian-speaking friends, follow us here: @wyffest РКН: № 5203588790
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Looks like your sign to expand your world 🙂 191 countries, thousands of stories, and people who weren't part of your life just yesterday. This September, they'll all meet in Ekaterinburg — to connect, to talk, to share their worlds, and to discover something new. Let these words be your little message 👍
The Golden Ring welcomes the world 🔥 The Ivanovo, Yaroslavl and Kostroma regions will welcome international participants of the IFY–2026 on a unique expedition across three regions. Here’s what awaits them: 📍 Ivanovo Region The journey begins in Russia’s textile capital, known for its unique Soviet avant-garde architecture. Participants will explore historic Gavrilov Posad, visit the Palace Stud Farm and discover local landmarks. They’ll also take part in a traditional culinary experience over an open fire. 📍Yaroslavl Region In the capital of Russia’s Golden Ring, participants will explore the historic centre and take a boat trip along the Volga. They’ll also cheer for Lokomotiv Hockey Club, take part in an engineering challenge and finish the day with a sunset rafting experience. 📍 Kostroma Region Participants will experience Russian traditions from the very first moment. They’ll visit the Kostroma Kremlin, the famous Fire Tower, Trading Rows and Susaninskaya Square, before making traditional protective dolls and birch-bark medals with their own hands. 🟢 Want to see what these expeditions will look like? Watch the videos! #IFY2026Expeditions
✨ “See you in Ekaterinburg!” is already being heard in dozens of languages around the world! We’ve put together some of the best reactions from participants heading to the IFY–2026. Some have even started learning Russian! 🇷🇺 Join the international challenge: 🩷 Film your reaction when you receive your invitation 💛 Share it on social media with #IamGoingToIFY2026 And let the whole world know: you’re going to the Festival! 🌍💚
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2 weeks left until the IFY–2026 🇷🇺 This week, we’re learning «Возможность» — Opportunity. Because very soon, you’ll discover why Russia is a land of opportunities 🟢 📍 And this is our last lesson! No more cards next week — it’s time to practice. Every Sunday, we’re already sharing videos from people learning Russian with us, and some of you are getting really good! 👀 Keep practicing and send your videos in the comments. Maybe we’ll share yours next! #russian_with_wyfd
Following in the footsteps of the Pomors and Arctic explorers ❄️ Let’s discover three regions where centuries-old traditions of Russia’s northern peoples meet Arctic industry and modern technology. This year, all three are part of the Regional Expeditions Programme for international participants of the IFY–2026! 📍 Arkhangelsk Region Participants will travel back through centuries of northern history at the Malye Korely open-air museum, explore an underground karst cave and experience traditional Pomor life in historic villages. They’ll also make Pomor kozuli, bake traditional northern bread and create birch-bark crafts. 📍 Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Area Participants will cross the Arctic Circle, visit a traditional chum at an ethnic camp and pick northern berries. They’ll also discover modern Salekhard and visit the Transfiguration Cathedral, the tallest church in the Arctic. 📍 Murmansk Region The Arctic journey will take participants to the Barents Sea in legendary Teriberka, the world’s first nuclear-powered icebreaker Lenin and the Kola Wind Farm beyond the Arctic Circle. They’ll also discover Sámi culture in the Sam Syyt village and join a sea urchin cooking workshop. 🌏 The Russian North and the Arctic are ready to welcome young people from around the world! #IFY2026Expeditions
From the US to Russia — and now to the IFY–2026! 🇺🇸🇷🇺 Meet Christopher Helali, an American historian, DD Geopolitics correspondent and a familiar face at WYFD projects. Russia has become such an important part of his journey that he’s now applied for Russian citizenship. This September, he’ll join the IFY–2026 as an International Content Center creator, sharing the Russia he knows beyond the stereotypes. 🩷 See you in Ekaterinburg, Christopher!
Turn your culture into digital art 🤖 What feels like home to you? Maybe it’s your language, music, traditional patterns, architecture, nature or family traditions. At the IFY–2026, you’ll have a chance to bring those things into the digital world 🟢 With support from the Presidential Fund for Cultural Initiatives, the [code:culture] Video Projection Lab will offer two creative tracks: 📹 Video mapping — create visual art designed for buildings and architectural spaces. The best works will become part of a large-scale projection in Ekaterinburg. 📣 VJing — combine visuals, music and effects in real time to create your own audiovisual performance. Media artists and mentors will guide participants through video projection, AI tools and editing — all the way from the first idea to the final piece. 🩷 Ready to show the world your cultural code? Apply and become part of the Lab at the IFY–2026! #CulturalInitiativesFund #GrantForCreativeTeams
Shall we help Tarek Zaref from Egypt make his dream come true? All it takes is building a bridge of friendship between Russia and Egypt! 🇷🇺 🤝 🇪🇬 Dream noted! We’re waiting for Tarek in Ekaterinburg — and we’ll see how it comes true! ✨
Packing your backpack for the Festival is an art of its own 🤔 It may feel like you need to bring your whole life with you, but in reality, you only need a few things — the kind that can actually save the day: during a lecture, while waiting in line for coffee, or at 2 a.m. after meeting a new friend from the other side of the world. We’ve been through it, so we put together a packing list you can count on 👇 ➡️ Backpack Your main companion throughout the Festival. Compact, comfortable, and big enough for all the souvenirs you’ll collect from 191 countries. ➡️ Sneakers The program is packed and there are lots of locations to explore — so get ready to walk. A lot. ➡️ Travel mug For coffee before a lecture, tea after a concert, and water between new introductions. ➡️ Camera Moments like these don’t happen every day. Want to look back on them somewhere other than your phone gallery? Bring a camera! ➡️ Postcards from your region A small but meaningful way to exchange contacts and leave someone with a little piece of home. They’re sure to travel all around the world. ➡️ Power bank With so many new friends, videos, and Stories, your phone definitely won’t make it through the day without a recharge. ➡️ Book Bring your favorite one and exchange it with someone from another country. Bookcrossing can be the beginning of a real friendship — and a reason to pick up your new treasure years later and remember the IFY–2026. ➡️ Notebook and pen Write down ideas, contacts, and thoughts after meeting people from all over the world. A year from now, you’ll read them again and feel like you’re back in Ekaterinburg. The Festival is about more than just the program. It’s about friendships that start with a simple conversation and continue across years and continents 🤝 💼 So, what would you bring with you?
The Volga Region has even more to discover! ❤️ Three republics, three completely different journeys — each with new places, people and local flavours waiting for our participants. 📍 Republic of Tatarstan From the Kazan Kremlin to the high-tech city of Innopolis, participants will see how centuries of history meet modern innovation. They’ll also learn to make traditional echpochmak and visit the State Council of Tatarstan. 📍 Republic of Mordovia In Saransk, participants will explore the city, discover Mordovian culture at local museums, make traditional dolls and even learn national dances. 📍 Udmurt Republic The route includes the Ludorvay open-air museum, the revived village of Muvyr and a perfume museum. Participants will also meet the famous Buranovskiye Babushki and taste traditional Udmurt cuisine! 🔥 More regions, more cultures, more discoveries ahead! #IFY2026Expeditions
«How to pronounce this in Russian?» Time to practise your Russian before the IFY–2026! 🇷🇺 Every week, we’ll follow international participants as they learn new Russian words and phrases before arriving in Ekaterinburg. First up is Zayed Rayan from Jordan, who went straight for a challenge: «Россия — страна возможностей» — “Russia is a country of opportunities” And if you’ve been following our #russian_with_wyfd lessons, this should be a little easier for you 👀 Check the hashtag to catch up!
❤️ How do you show people the real Russia and make thousands fall in love with it? Today’s hello comes from Alali Yoshaa, a content creator from Syria who moved to Russia! 🇸🇾 He creates content in his native language, sharing Russia with his audience through its traditions, science and rich culture. 🟢 Now, Yoshaa is getting ready for the IFY–2026 to bring his followers along for one of the biggest international youth events of the year!
The Russian flag in the stratosphere 🤍💙❤️ Sergey Boitsov marked Russia’s National Flag Day with a jump from 11 551 metres, unfolding the Russian tricolour during his flight! Russia and its athletes continue to reach new heights and set world records, showing incredible strength and determination! 🇷🇺
Happy National Flag Day! 🇷🇺 A flag is more than just colours. It can carry the memory of home, family, childhood and the people we love. 👍 For generations, these feelings and traditions are passed from grandparents to children, keeping a connection with our roots alive. And perhaps that’s what makes a country feel like home — the people, memories and values we carry with us 🇷🇺 🌍 What does your country’s flag mean to you?
Why are thousands of young people from around the world coming to the IFY–2026? ⭐️ Everyone has their own goal, but together, these dreams become one big story. We asked participants what they’re hoping to gain from the experience and heard all kinds of dreams: learning new languages, sharing their cultures and gaining knowledge that can help make a difference in the world! 🟢Watch the video and tell us in the comments: what would you like to learn at the Festival?
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Day one in Malaysia — already productive! 🇲🇾 In Kuching, the WYFD delegation and Rosmolodezh’s “More Than a Trip” program met Sarawak’s Premier Abang Johari Tun Openg and Tourism Minister Dato Sri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah, sharing details on the IFY–2026. With the Minister, they discussed a Malaysia–Russia youth tourism concept — he’s fully behind deeper ties with Russia. The chat with the Premier was more informal, covering the Festival and ongoing work with youth worldwide. Today: the Discover Russia stand at PATA Travel Mart 2026, presenting the Festival and the youth tourism concept — more soon! 🟢 👉 Key moments from the first days — on the cards!
From Siberian mysteries to Ural hospitality 🇷🇺 International participants of the IFY–2026 will set off on expeditions across Russia, with each route offering a unique look at the regions’ heritage, modern achievements and local culture — as well as the federal territory of Sirius, Abkhazia and South Ossetia. 📍 Krasnoyarsk Region Participants will discover the region through its science, literature and industry — from the Narym complex and Viktor Astafyev Centre to the Krasnoyarsk Non-Ferrous Metals Plant. Together with the Governor of the Krasnoyarsk Region, they’ll also plant trees along the Friendship Alley. 📍 Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Okrug — Yugra Guests will explore the culture of the North at the Torum Maa Ethnographic Museum, visit the V. I. Shpilman Centre for Rational Subsoil Use and the Yugra Research Institute of Information Technologies. The route will also take them to the confluence of the Ob and Irtysh rivers to experience the beauty of northern nature. 🫶 Thousands of kilometres and countless new experiences are ahead! #IFY2026Expeditions
✨ Dreams that are about to come true! We asked future IFY–2026 participants what goals they hope the Festival will help them achieve. 🟢 Some want to bring their projects to life through one of the Festival tracks. Others dream of getting international participants interested in Russian literature. And for some, simply being part of the Festival is already a dream come true. Watch the video and get inspired! 🫶