"We were afraid of Labuba." Ryazan residents unveiled the symbol of the 2026 New Year's capital – Snezhanushka.
The regional delegation presented the symbol of the New Year's capital, which was chosen at the VDNKh in Moscow RyazanThis is a girl. Snowdrop in a red kokoshnik, sheepskin coat and mittens.
"This character was created as part of the All-Russian Festival of Creative Industries Schools. The mascot symbolizes kindness, hard work, and a desire to help others."- says in the presentation.
The New Year's Capital of Russia project was conceived by the Ministry of Culture in 2012 to develop Russian tourism. The first New Year's Capital was Kazan.
Residents of Ryazan learned about both the holiday symbol and the presentation last, a week after the event.
Residents have raised many questions for Snezhanushka's creators and those who approved the symbol. For example, why does the girl have such large eyes but no mouth or nose? Why do regional officials refer to the mascot by the foreign word "mascot."
"It looks like an ugly smiley face.", "Pokemon in a kokoshnik", "We were afraid of Labubu, now our own has arrived."- responded about the symbol on social media.
Ryazan was already the New Year's capital in the winter of 2019-2020 and became famous poor preparation. At the opening, guests were entertained with songs Verka Serduchka (including the song "Ukraine Has Not Yet Perished" with the lyrics "Russia Will Live" changed), then the Christmas tree wouldn't light up—they didn't have time to hang the lights. The main art piece, the letters "Ryazan—2020," broke twice. Tourists failed attend the "Cuisines of the Ryazan Region" festival, with the participation of more than 30 restaurants, because they forgot to inform them.
Photo: I.P. Pavlov Estate Museum
