Evening reception to celebrate Russia Day takes place in Zinaida Morozova’s mansion

On June 9, in the Reception House, the MFA of Russia hosted an evening reception attended by heads of diplomatic missions from 80 countries and their spouses.

The event, organized by the MFA of Russia State Protocol Department and the Main Administration for Service to the Diplomatic Corps ahead of Russia Day, was focused on 2026 as the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia, as declared by Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov sent greetings to participants, delivered by Deputy Foreign Minister G. Borisenko.

“This Russian public holiday, celebrated broadly in all parts of our vast Motherland, represents love and loyalty to our country, the commonality of cultural, moral, and spiritual values of our diverse and multi-confessional population.

While continuing to strengthen its sovereignty, Russia is interested in developing mutually respectful and equal cooperation with everyone who is ready to follow the principles of the UN Charter in their totality, completeness, and interdependency. We are going to continue promoting the unifying international agenda while facilitating diplomatic and lawful solutions to all the numerous modern problems.

The evening's program that reflects the themes of the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia is another proof of our openness and inimitable Russian hospitality,” Mr. Lavrov's address read.

The evening's musical program included the Russian Seasons band from the Russian Song Moscow State Academy Theater led by Nadezhda Babkina, and its lead singer Anna Kuzmishcheva.

The menu was prepared by participants of the Russian Gastronomic Map project, initiated and managed by Ekaterina Shapovalova. The best chefs from 42 regions of our enormous country spread out a samobranka tablecloth for our guests, presenting unique food traditions of their peoples, including: Kamchatsky Dom (Kamchatka Territory); Arctic Moon (Murmansk Region); Azbuka Severa (Republic of Sakha (Yakutia)); EkoNiva (Voronezh Region and Kaluga Region); Ash Kursak (Altai Republic); V Karelia (Republic of Karelia); DAAR (Chechen Republic); Orda (Republic of Buryatia); Tsar Kurnik (Rostov Region); Traktir-Kalachnaya, Syty-Bury (Kostroma Region); Volgorechensky Fish Farm (Kostroma Region); Kostroma Cheesemakers, Mazaysky Honey (Kostroma Region); Tsaryovokokshaysky Ham (Republic of Mari El); Moscow Tea Party (Moscow); Ryazansky Kalinnik (Ryazan Region); Dagestani Store (Republic of Dagestan), etc.

The VINO.RU by Abrau project team introduced the diplomatic corps to the best Russian wines.

Entertainers in colorful national costumes reflecting the wealth of historical and cultural heritage of our peoples were the reception's centerpiece.

Students and graduates of the Moscow Art-Industrial Institute presented their creations, which not only carefully preserved traditional costumes, but reframed them in an artistic way.

Foreign guests extended their warmest congratulations to the host country on the key national holiday.