The first international festival of national culture of Abkhazia and Russia "SHOWABKHAZIA" will take place in Sukhumi.

      On August 28-29, 2026, the First International Festival of National Culture of Abkhazia and Russia "SHOWABKHAZIA" will take place in Sukhum. This large-scale cultural event, dedicated to the Day of Recognition of the Republic of Abkhazia's independence by the Russian Federation, will serve as a new platform for strengthening humanitarian, creative, and youth ties between the two countries.

      The festival, which is held with the support of the Presidential Fund for Cultural Initiatives, will unite traditional culture, contemporary art, and new formats of creative interaction. Its main goal is to develop cultural dialogue between Russia and Abkhazia, preserve historical heritage, and create conditions for international cooperation in the field of culture and creative industries. The ideological inspirer and project leader is Russian composer, singer, and honored artist of the Republic of Abkhazia and the Republic of South Ossetia Alexander Shoua.

      "This project is necessary because we have much to say and show each other," noted Alexander Shoua. "We have a huge creative foundation that can unite people. Many talented artists have emerged from Abkhazia and realized themselves in Russia, and such cultural exchange is extremely important for preserving our common heritage and cultural code. For me, a person born in Abkhazia and raised in the Soviet Union, it is especially important to conduct such a large-scale project here. I consider it my duty to pay tribute to the land where I was born. And the youth that will be represented at the festival is a reflection of ourselves when we just started our journey right here, on this land."

      Over two days, festival guests will enjoy a rich program. Concert venues will feature artists, youth groups, and creative associations from Russia and Abkhazia. There will also be exhibitions of artists and craftsmen, showcases of national and contemporary clothing, dance and creative workshops, art spaces, thematic photo zones, as well as special media platforms for communication with artists, bloggers, and influencers.

      The festival's concept is based on exploring the common cultural roots of Russia and Abkhazia. Through music, dance, theater, folk crafts, and contemporary artistic practices, participants and guests will be able to learn about the traditions of the two peoples, see their interconnections, and appreciate the richness of their cultural heritage. The organizers pay special attention to the youth audience. The project aims to foster new humanitarian ties between young people from both countries, support talented youth, and create a space for creative exchange.

      It is expected that more than 600 artists, musicians, representatives of creative groups, artists, designers, and craftsmen will participate in the festival's events. Over 25 thematic venues and locations will be organized for guests.

      The First International Festival of National Culture of Abkhazia and Russia "SHOWABKHAZIA" is intended to become a new annual tradition, a symbol of friendship, mutual respect, and cultural unity of the peoples of Russia and Abkhazia, uniting people through art, creativity, and shared cultural values.