Deputy Chairman of the Government of Russia Olga Golodets, the head of Crimea Sergey Aksenov and the Minister of Culture Vladimir Medinsky has inaugurated the Year of Russian Culture in Crimea, - according to the report by the Ministry of Culture. The ceremony took place in the former residence of Russian emperors - Livadia Palace.
Addressing citizens of Crimea during the ceremony Olga Golodets has said: "Crimea has always been the part of Russian culture world ... I hope that thanks to your courage, your will and your perseverance Crimea today will enter a new era of cultural, economic and social development. We are with you, we are the single country - Russia".
"Livadia Palace has witnessed many historical events, but today we feel here special elation, - said Sergey Aksenov. - Crimeans are happily waiting for the opening of the Year of Culture and the arrival of guests from various regions of Russian Federation".

"We are opening our common celebration, it gives start to a major cultural programme – the tours of the best theater troupes, exhibitions, cultural exchange activities and a lot more of interesting, necessary and important things that we together with You will be proud of, - said Vladimir Medinsky. – We have not forgotten about cinema neither – on April 22 the movie marathon will start that will be running in Yalta, Sevastopol, Jankoi. Crimeans will be the first to see the movie about the heroine of the Patriotic War of 1812 Vasilissa Kozhina who was heading the partisan unit in 1812 to fight against French invaders".

The prices of tickets to all concerts and performances will be affordable. Very soon the activities devoted to the Victory in the Great Patriotic War will begin in Crimea. On the peninsula the 70-th anniversary of its liberation from Nazis will be marked this year – on May 9, 1944, the Soviet troops have completely liberated Crimea.
The official part of the ceremony was concluded with the presentation of diplomas by the Ministry of Culture of Russia to creative intellectuals of Crimea. The best artistic teams of Crimea and Sevastopol have participated in the concert dedicated to the opening of the Year of Culture in the Crimea. The evening was crowned by fireworks.
Photo: © Ministry of Culture of Crimea