November 18, 2016: The 3rd International Festival of National Cultures was held in Taganrog's FESTIVALNY recreation center on the occasion of International Day for Tolerance, November 16, 2016.
Five local expatriate communities, Don cossacks and folk groups participated in the event promoting tolerance and non-violence. Mrs. Galina Polyakova, Taganrog City Council alderwoman attended the festival as guest of honor.
"Taganrog is not a big city, but according to the latest population census statistics, it's a place where people of more than 90 nationalities live together. It's very important to organize such meetings aimed at bringing all nations living in Taganrog together. Such festivals give our citizens an opportunity to learn more about history and culture of various communities residing in Taganrog, and continue the communication in everyday life", — reminded alderwoman Galina Polyakova.
Spokespersons representing national communities and expatriate communities underlined the importance of further efforts to work together on new joint project and participate more actively in city's social and economic development. "Although western leaders try to disunite us, they have big trouble doing this", — highlighted Mr. Nshan Kazaryan, deputy chairman of NAIRI Armenian National Culture Trust — We will always respect identities of other nations, value their originalities, traditions and cultures, further hand on to our kids and grandsons the fondest memories of Soviet Union. It makes us stronger".
After the festival's opening, folk groups performed on the main stage of FESTIVALNY arts center.
