Stars of the Russian pop scene and "The Voice of Abkhazia" on one stage: the First International Festival of National Culture of Abkhazia and Russia "SHOWABKHAZIA" will take place in Sukhum.

      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 Independence of the Republic of Abkhazia by the Russian Federation, will serve as a new platform for strengthening humanitarian, creative, and youth ties between the two countries. The project is supported by the Presidential Fund for Cultural Initiatives and the Administration of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia, with the organizer being LLC "Culture" (Moscow).

      The festival 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," notes Alexander Shoua. "We have a huge creative foundation that can unite people. Many talented figures in the arts 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. The youth who will be represented at the festival is a reflection of ourselves when we just started our journey right here, on this land. We are grateful to the Presidential Fund for Cultural Initiatives and the Administration of the President of the Republic of Abkhazia for supporting our project."

      The National Culture Festival of Abkhazia and Russia "SHOWABKHAZIA" will take place on the city stage in the center of Sukhum (Pushkin St. 1), where on August 28, there will be performances by children's and youth folk groups from Russia and Abkhazia. The evening will conclude with a joint song by all participants and an outdoor movie screening. On August 29, the audience can expect a combined concert featuring the best performances, creative duets of Russian and Abkhaz artists, and a grand evening gala concert with fireworks in honor of the festival's closing. The entire program will be conducted in two languages: Russian and Abkhaz. Honored guests of the festival will include heroes of Abkhazia and veterans of the Patriotic War of the People of Abkhazia of 1992-1993.

      Headliners of the gala concert will be stars of the Russian stage: Alexander Shoua and the group "NEPARA," the legendary group "Zemlyane," Mia Boyka, Valeria Chaika, Victoria Cherentsova, and Alena Lanskaya. Abkhazia will be represented at the festival by residents of the project "Voices of Abkhazia" — winners of the special selection of the Presidential Fund for Cultural Initiatives: Saida Agrba, Saida Gabnia, Aldona Tsukua, Madina Kvartselia, Victoria Labia, Khibla Mukba, Narsou Abukhba, Avto Kondzharija, Levan Pkhaladze, Abzagu Tsvizhba, and Valeria Delba. Their songs in Abkhaz and Russian have already gathered millions of views and have become the new voice of national culture. The festive evening will conclude with a large-scale performance by all festival artists — this number will acquire the status of a musical symbol of friendship between the two peoples.

      In addition to the concert program, guests will enjoy exhibitions by artists and craftsmen, showcases of national and contemporary clothing, dance and creative master classes, art spaces, thematic photo zones, and special media platforms for communication with artists, bloggers, and influencers. The concept of the festival is based on the exploration of 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 familiarize themselves with the traditions of the two peoples, see their interconnections, and appreciate the richness of their cultural heritage. Special attention is given 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.

      Festival in numbers: over 600 artists, musicians, representatives of creative collectives, artists, designers, and craftsmen; more than 25 thematic venues and locations; two days of programming from 10:00 AM to late evening. The First International Festival of National Culture of Abkhazia and Russia "SHOWABKHAZIA" is set to become a new annual tradition — a symbol of friendship, mutual respect, and cultural unity between the peoples of Russia and Abkhazia, uniting people through art, creativity, and shared cultural values.