Orenburg will become the center of Russian culture: a grand festival in honor of Dal

On June 6, 2026, Orenburg will become the epicenter of Russian culture, marking the 225th anniversary of the birth of lexicographer Vladimir Dahl and the 160th anniversary of his “Explanatory Dictionary of the Living Great Russian Language”. The square in front of the city museum will be the venue for the grandiose music festival “Live”. Great. Russian.

As part of the event, guests will be immersed in the atmosphere of the XIX century: a fair, intellectual tests (total dictation), ballroom dances and a gala concert with the participation of stars of the world opera scene. The festival is timed to coincide with the key role of Orenburg in the life of Dahl, who studied the region as an official of special assignments, collecting materials for the dictionary, including folk expressions and songs, and also spent time with Alexander Pushkin.

The program includes a large-scale fair in the style of the XIX century with master classes on versification, competitions of readers and literary quizzes, a contest "Rucheika" for the longest pronunciation, as well as a gala concert with the participation of famous musicians and opera singers. In the evening, a total dictation and interactive contests for all ages are planned. The organizers were the “National Council of Youth and Children’s Associations of Russia” and the administration of the city of Orenburg with the support of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation, the Art Agency “Premier” as a creative partner. The purpose of the festival is to create a unique atmosphere and introduce new generations to Russian culture, poetry and spiritual heritage.