Firebird Fair: A Glimpse into Russia's Rich Folk Culture
This week, the Expocentre Fairgrounds in Moscow is hosting ‘Firebird. Autumn 2023’, the twenty-first in a series of exhibition-fairs celebrating old craftsmanship traditions and Russia's folk arts and crafts. Visitors can immerse themselves in Russian heritage, discover regional crafts, and buy souvenirs. Admission is free.
Open Oct 4–Oct 8
The Firebird Fair is a biannual celebration that brings together master artisans, craftspeople and international visitors to celebrate Russia's rich folk culture. Participants come not only from Russia, but from neighbouring countries such as Belarus and Uzbekistan.
Visitors will be greeted by an array of crafts on display. The exhibits provide an insight into the arts of bone carving, intricate woodwork, and meticulously hand-painted Matryoshka dolls, as well as skilful embroidery and weaving—a testament to Russia's rich textile heritage. From delicate lace to traditional ceramics, there is a wide selection of crafts to admire.
Each region of Russia has unique traditions that are manifested in local crafts. The fair features a number of regional specialties, including the intricate patterns of Siberian shawls, the vibrant colours of Caucasian art, and the delicate porcelain of St Petersburg. From the Far East to the European heartland, 55 regions of Russia are represented.
The fair is named after the Firebird, a legendary creature in Russian folklore known for its radiant plumage and magical abilities. It symbolises beauty, grace, and the pursuit of the extraordinary. At the fair, guests will discover the essence of this mythical creature in the creations of the participating artisans.
While wandering through the fair, visitors can buy numerous regional products. Among the goods for sale are handwoven tapestries telling stories from Russian folklore, exquisitely crafted jewellery featuring traditional motifs, and specialty foods such as honey infused with herbs from the Altai Mountains.
Visitors will also be able to enjoy a rich cultural programme. Various performers and folklore ensembles will take to the stage, such as the gusli player Egor Strelnikov (Oct 6, 2 pm) and the 'Vyshe Gor' ensemble of Caucasian and Transcaucasian dances (Oct 8, 12 pm). There will also be an opportunity to take part in various master classes, for example, on the creation of Petrovskaya toys, folk craft from Kostroma (daily, 11 am–12 pm). The stage is located in Hall 1 of Pavilion 7.
Address: 14 Krasnopresnenskaya Naberezhnaya, Vystavochnaya metro station, Expocentre Fairgrounds, Pavilion No. 7 (Halls 1, 2) (Google Maps)
Open: Oct 4 12 pm–7pm, Oct 5–7 10 am–7 pm, Oct 8 10 am–5 pm
Tickets: Free admission
Text by Maxim Lukianenko and Alexander Tkachenko, bachelor’s students of Foreign Languages and Intercultural Communication, interns at the HSE University English website team