The royal throne "Weave of Times" became a symbol of "Golden Khokhloma" in 2026.

      On June 20, 2026, at 16:31, Culture and Leisure: The two-day XXII International Festival of Folk Arts and Crafts "Golden Khokhloma" (0+) has started in Semyonov. The event is part of the national project "Tourism and Hospitality" and is timed to coincide with the Day of Folk Arts and Crafts.

      The main theme of this year's festival is "110 Years in the Hands of Masters." It is dedicated to the anniversary of the school of artistic wood processing, which marked the beginning of the history of the "Khokhloma Painting" factory.

      Andrey Gneushev, the first deputy governor of the Nizhny Novgorod region, noted that the festival has been one of the key events in the field of folk arts and crafts for over two decades, both for the region and for the country.

      According to him, folk crafts are one of the main treasures of the Nizhny Novgorod region. The region ranks first in the Volga Federal District and second in Russia for the production of such products, and the successes of the industry are largely associated with the work of masters who preserve traditions and create unique works.

      The festive venues have unfolded across several streets and squares of Semyonov. The central event was the folk arts and crafts fair, which opened in the main square of the city.

      The opening ceremony was attended by the Minister of Tourism and Crafts of the Nizhny Novgorod region, Sergey Yakovlev, State Duma deputy Artem Kavinov, deputy of the regional Legislative Assembly Alexey Stepanov, head of the local government of the Semyonov district Dmitry Poluektov, president of the Russian University of Traditional Arts and Crafts Valentina Maksimovich, representatives of the Russian Orthodox Church, cultural figures, residents, and guests of the region.

      As part of the opening, awards were presented to representatives of the folk arts and crafts industry of the Nizhny Novgorod region.

      Artem Kavinov emphasized that folk arts and crafts are not only part of the historical heritage but also an important resource for the development of territories. According to him, the festival demonstrates how cultural traditions contribute to the development of tourism, small businesses, and creative initiatives. He also reminded that over the years, the holiday has grown from a district event into an international festival that annually unites tens of thousands of guests.

      At the "Khokhloma Painting" factory, excursions, exhibitions, master classes, lectures, and interactive programs have been organized for festival participants. Well-known Russian performers and creative groups are performing on the main stage.

      As Minister Sergey Yakovlev reported, today "Golden Khokhloma" is the main venue for celebrating the Day of Folk Arts and Crafts in Russia. According to him, thanks to the support of the national project, the festival is expanding and becoming more large-scale every year.

      "This year, 'Golden Khokhloma' has united more than a thousand masters and artists, as well as 58 folk arts and crafts enterprises from 17 regions of Russia and the Republic of Belarus. And this is a new record!" said the minister.

      The symbol of the XXII festival is the royal throne "Vyz' Vremen." Its image is inspired by the ceremonial throne of Empress Catherine II, who is called the founder of Semyonov. The throne is decorated with the ornament "Slavic Vyz'," symbolizing the connection of generations and the continuity of craftsmanship. Inside the product is a message to future generations from the factory's masters.

      The throne is handmade from hardwood using traditional gilding techniques according to the canons of Khokhloma painting. Its height is 2026 millimeters, and its depth is 110 centimeters. The creation of the art object involved masters of JSC "Khokhloma Painting," including honored artists of Russia, honored masters of folk arts and crafts of the Nizhny Novgorod region, and members of the Union of Artists of Russia.

      Another event of the festival was the opening of an exhibition by the Russian University of Traditional Arts and Crafts. The exhibition introduces visitors to the works of graduates in various areas of traditional art, including artistic embroidery, decorative painting, artistic metalwork, lacquer miniature painting, bone carving, and Bogorodskaya wood carving.

      As Valentina Maksimovich noted, the presented works demonstrate the richness of Russia's artistic heritage, the high level of craftsmanship of young artists, and attention to the preservation and development of traditional crafts.

      Let us remind you that this year the group "Moya Mishel" (0+) will perform at "Golden Khokhloma." And tomorrow, as part of the festival, there will be a track and field race (0+).

      Photo source: ANO "Khokhloma" and Yulia Ivanova. NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" has channels on Telegram and MAX. Subscribe to stay updated on major events, exclusive materials, and timely information. Copyright © 1999—2025 NIA "Nizhny Novgorod." When reprinting, a hyperlink to NIA "Nizhny Novgorod" is mandatory. This resource may contain materials 18+.