Mia Boyka, Alexander Shoua, the group "Zemlyane," and other artists performed at the festival "SHOWABKHAZIA."

      More than 25,000 spectators and 600 participants: the "SHOWABKHAZIA" festival has concluded in Sukhum

      The First International Festival of National Culture of Abkhazia and Russia "SHOWABKHAZIA" has concluded in Sukhum. This large-scale cultural event, timed to coincide with the Day of Recognition of the Republic of Abkhazia's independence by the Russian Federation, brought together more than 600 participants — artists, musicians, creative teams, painters, designers, and craftsmen from both countries. The project was implemented with the support of 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 took place in the square near the S. Chamba Abkhaz State Drama Theater — one of the central cultural venues in Sukhum, and it was open to all residents and guests of the capital. Over two days, the event was attended by more than 25,000 people. On the open stage, children's and youth creative teams, young performers, and well-known artists from Russia and Abkhazia, as well as honored artists from both countries, performed. Among the participants were the School of Contemporary Choreography "Path of Dance," the National Dance Studio "Amazara," the Folk Song Ensemble "Zaryanochka," the Song Theater "Talents," the breakdance group "Apsny," and other collectives.

      A special place in the program was occupied by the residents of the project "Voices of Abkhazia." The audience was entertained by Madina Kvartshelia, Levan Pkhaladze, Valeria Delba, Victoria Labia, Aldona Tsukua, and Valeria Pertselia. All these artists are winners of the project for children and youth "Music Content of the Presidential Fund for Cultural Initiatives" in 2025. The audience was also delighted by the performances of the Honored Artist of Russia Sergey Voytenko, the Honored Artist of the Republic of Abkhazia Avto Kondzharija, the Honored Artist of the Republic of Abkhazia and the Honored Artist of the Republic of South Ossetia Khibla Mukba, the Honored Artist of the Republic of Abkhazia Ilda Kuchuberiya, Saida Agrba, Saida Gabnia, Narsou Abukhba, Valeria Pertselia, Alena Lanskaya, and Valeria Chaika.

      Weather conditions made adjustments on the second day of the festival: due to heavy rain, part of the daytime program had to be moved, but the organizers quickly adjusted the schedule, and the festival continued. In the evening, the main stage once again gathered artists from both countries. The grand gala concert featuring stars of the Russian stage — the group "Zemlyane," Mia Boyka, and the group "NEPARA" — became the final part of the two-day festival and concluded with a festive fireworks display.

      During a press conference dedicated to the event, the ideological inspirer and head of the festival Alexander Shoua shared that the idea for the project had been forming in his mind throughout his creative journey. According to the artist, holding the festival in Sukhum became an opportunity to fulfill the long-standing dream of representatives of culture and art from both countries: "The history of the festival's emergence in my mind has been resonating since the beginning of my creative activity. Every artist, every musician in this country, from the Soviet Union to the present day, dreams of performing in the large square of the city of Sukhum."

      Speaking about the main task of the project, Alexander Shoua emphasized that the festival is intended to create a space for creative interaction between representatives of culture and art from Russia and Abkhazia: "Culture unites people. Music, songs, dances, and folk art know no borders. It is through culture that we can better understand each other, preserve traditions, and strengthen friendship between peoples."

      Particular attention during the festival was given to young performers from Abkhazia. Alexander Shoua noted that their participation in the project was not accidental: the artist has long collaborated with Abkhaz youth and considers it important to create opportunities for young performers for professional and creative development.

      The head of the Department of Humanitarian Policy of the Administration of the President of Abkhazia, Victoria Bebiya, added that individual participants of the "SHOWABKHAZIA" festival could receive further support and producer assistance for promotion on the Russian stage. According to her, international festivals and other joint projects help to form professional connections between Russian and Abkhaz artists, producers, and other representatives of the creative industries. "I am very pleased and happy that at 'SHOWABKHAZIA' not only amazing Russian performers are represented but also our young artists. They are gaining new horizons and opportunities to enter the Russian stage for further promotion," said Victoria Zurabovna.

      Festival participant — Honored Artist of Russia, musician, and composer Sergey Voytenko noted that "SHOWABKHAZIA" helps to establish professional connections between artists and representatives of culture from both countries: "Any artists who promote traditional values, who work with integrity, using all their talent to convey to the heart of the audience what they want to say — this is what unites us all."

      In addition to the concert program, the festival venue remained a space for familiarizing oneself with the culture and creativity of Abkhazia and Russia for two days. Exhibition and fair spaces operated here, where guests could see the works of artists and craftsmen, as well as get acquainted with traditional forms of decorative and applied arts. A separate part of the program consisted of creative workshops, interactive activities, and shows of national and contemporary clothing, which complemented the musical and dance program of the festival.

      At the conclusion of the festival, all its participants expressed sincere hope that "SHOWABKHAZIA" would continue next year, as well as confidence that the project has a long and great future ahead, that it will grow and develop, becoming an increasingly significant platform for humanitarian and cultural cooperation between the two countries.