A festive atmosphere permeated the area around the Russian Center in San Francisco on May 2nd and 3rd. From the lit windows, a chorus of music, the buzz of lively conversations, and cheerful, booming toasts of “Hip-hip hooray! Hip-hip hooray!” could be heard. This marked the long-awaited return of the legendary Russian Festival under a new name – The Slavic Festival – which had been held here for over 30 years before being interrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Over two hundred volunteers worked tirelessly to extend genuine Slavic hospitality, showcasing the diversity and unity of Slavic cultures to festival guests. Over two thousand visitors flocked to SF Russian Center, including not only residents of San Francisco and the surrounding areas but also guests from Los Angeles and other cities. The honorable guest of the festival was San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie.

The festival organizers noted:

“We were very grateful for such great support from our local organizations and volunteers, as well as from the City of San Francisco: generous sponsorship from Grant for the Arts, Supervisor Sherrill’s presence on stage at our opening, Mayor Dan Lurie’s visit on Saturday, and the participation of the San Francisco Planning’s Russian American Historic Context Project!”

The Slavic Festival began with a welcome from Evgeny Krasovsky, President of the Russian Center, and greetings from San Francisco Supervisor Stephen Sherrill. Following tradition, the concert portion of the festival kicked off with the Boyar Dance Suite by the Russian folk dance ensemble “V. Ryazantsev and Friends,” performing in costumes sewn in Argentina in the 1950s for Dmitry Avramenko’s choir. This was followed by performances from Olga Prokoshina, a graduate of the Belarusian Ballet Academy, the John Sokoloff Band, and various Balkan ensembles. Afterward, a dance party ensued, lasting deep into the night with music by DJ Parrot.

 The next day, the concert continued with performances by the Russian Center dancers under the direction of Alexey and Olga Prokoshina, the Slavic children’s ensemble “SF Pacific Academy,” the “Slavyanka” choir, and other Russian, Polish, Serbian, Bulgarian, and pan-Balkan groups. A highlight was the performance by Marina V, a beloved favorite of the public and regulars of the Russian Festival. The Los Angeles-based singer, pianist, and songwriter was, as always, accompanied by her husband, the guitarist, but this year, their five-year-old daughter, Violetta, also joined them on stage.

Beyond the performances, festival guests could explore the updated exhibition at the Museum-Archive of Russian Culture. Throughout the festival, museum volunteers warmly welcomed guests, leading tours in both English and Russian. Guests also had the opportunity to discover the Russian Center’s library and its unique collection of pre-revolutionary, émigré, and contemporary Russian publications. The Congress of Russian Americans and other Russian organizations were present, as were representatives from the Polish, Czech, Bulgarian, and other diasporas. Festival-goers could also learn about the “Russian Life” newspaper and purchase issues.

Another surprise  participant in the festival was the SF Survey urban project “Russian American Historic Context Statement.” This project aims to identify Russian historical buildings and businesses associated with prominent Russians and their descendants, as well as important religious, political, and economic organizations that have influenced San Francisco’s Russian heritage. Nina Bogdan, co-author of “Russian San Francisco, Images of America” (2010), serves as a consultant for the project.

A separate hall housed the “Children’s Village,” where Russian, Bulgarian, and Czech educational institutions organized games and entertainment for children. Guests could also try on national costumes and take memorable photos.

Festival attendees could also enjoy delicious Eastern European and traditional Russian treats at the buffet on the second and lower floors. The popular pirozhki (savory pastries) and homemade appetizers were lovingly and painstakingly prepared by Russian ladies under the guidance of Svetlana Kondrashova.

Additionally, those interested could savor the beloved cuisine of San Francisco’s local favorite, Cinderella Restaurant, and explore other national cuisine options on the lower floor. The bar offered a selection of vodka tastings with various flavors, Eastern European beers, kvass, and more. The lower level also featured a unique selection of Slavic art and crafts, including handmade jewelry. At the Globus Books stall, visitors could choose books in Russian, Ukrainian, English, and other languages.

It is wonderful that in our time of discord and division, such a celebration of Slavic cultures, kindred in spirit and shared history, is possible. It brought joy to all of us – the residents of Northern California. The editorial board of the “Russian Life” newspaper congratulates the board of the Russian Center on the difficult but successful restoration of the festival tradition at the Russian Center!

TOP PHOTO: San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie (center) was one of the festival’s honored guests.