Muscat –The Spring Festival Maslenitsa, a spectacular celebration of Russian culture, is set to return in 2026, officially becoming a recurring annual event in Oman’s cultural calendar. 

In a press statement on Saturday, the organisers confirmed that the next edition will take place on February 6-7, 2026, building on the tremendous success of this year’s festival. 

With over 20,000 visitors in attendance at Al Mouj, Muscat, at the festival that concluded recently, the event promises to become a beloved tradition that strengthens the ties between Russia and Oman while welcoming visitors of all nationalities to experience the vibrant heritage of Maslenitsa.

A cultural milestone for Oman and Russia

Organised by the Russian House Oman and sponsored by Al Mouj Muscat, with support from Oman’s Ministry of Heritage and Tourism, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Youth, as well as the Russian Ministry of Culture, the Government of St. Petersburg, and the Russian Embassy, this year’s festival also marked the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Russia and Oman.

The festival served as a platform for fostering cultural understanding and strengthening the bonds between the two nations.

“Celebrating this milestone with such a large and diverse crowd made this year’s festival particularly significant,” said Igor Egorov, Head of the Russian Community in Oman.

“The event was for all residents of Oman, and we hope it helped deepen the cultural ties between Russia and Oman.”

The festival showcased a spectacular blend of tradition and innovation, featuring captivating performances from renowned Russian ensembles such as the St. Petersburg Song and Dance Theatre “Moroshka” and the State Academic Honored Dance Ensemble of Dagestan “Lezginka.”

The event served as a vibrant fusion of Russian and Omani cultures, offering a wide range of interactive activities for all ages. H E Russian Ambassador Oleg Levin and H E Secretary General of the National Museum Jamal al Moosawi and other dignitaries including Nasser al Sheibani, CEO of Al Mouj Muscat, Ibrahim bin Saif bani Uraba, Deputy General Manager for Arts at Oman’s Ministry of Culture, and Russian officials, including Andrey Malyshev, Deputy Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation, and Nizami Mamyshev, Deputy Chair of the Committee of External Relations of St. Petersburg attended the event, making it a milestone in Omani-Russian cultural relations.

Attendees were invited to immerse themselves in Russian traditions by learning folk dances, dressing in traditional Russian attire and winter clothes for photo opportunities, and participating in cooking workshops where they could master the art of Russian pancakes and sweets.

In addition, guests had the chance to try their hand at playing folk musical instruments and crafting iconic Russian Matryoshka dolls, Filimonovo toys and gingerbread decorations.

This hands-on experience allowed visitors to engage with the culture in a meaningful and enjoyable way.

Platform for local entrepreneurship, sustainability

Aligned with the goals of Oman Vision 2040, the festival emphasised sustainability, creativity, and local entrepreneurship.

It provided a platform for Omani SMEs, allowing them to showcase their innovative products and services to a global audience. The festival also featured a grand fair where visitors could purchase authentic handmade products and souvenirs from both Russia and Oman.

Buoyed by the remarkable success of this year’s event, the organisers announced that Spring Festival Maslenitsa will now be an annual tradition in Oman. The next edition, scheduled for February 2026 is expected to attract even more visitors, offering an even grander celebration of culture, unity, and tradition.

“We are excited to make Maslenitsa an annual event here in Oman,” said Anna Popova, Head of the Russian House Oman.

“This year’s festival highlighted the growing cultural exchange between Russia and Oman, and we can’t wait to bring even more joy and traditions to Oman in 2026.”

“Nearly 100 artists came from Russia specifically for the festival,” added Anna Popova.

The festival was made possible by the generous support of its sponsors, including Al Mouj Muscat, Gates of Arabia, Levare, and Oman Oasis, the official hydration partner.

The success of the Spring Festival Maslenitsa this year has firmly established itself as a major cultural event in Oman, setting the stage for a long-lasting and vibrant tradition to experience the heritage and joyful spirit of Maslenitsa.

For more details, please contact Anna Popova, the head of the Russian House Oman – (968) 7232 4040 or @RussianHouseOman