On September 7, the II International Festival of Youth and Students “Lastochka” started in Penza. The opening ceremony took place on the Lenin square.

The honorary guests of the event were I.A. Belozertsev, Governor of the Penza Region, V.K. Lidin, Chairman of the Legislative Assembly, O.V. Yagov, Deputy Chairman of the Penza Region government, G.V. Sintsov, Vice-Rector for International Affairs of PSU, Yu.V. Eryomenko, Vice-Rector for Student Affairs and Social Work of PSU, as well as rectors of universities of the Penza region.

The Festival, which Penza has hosted for the second time, began with a welcoming procession - a parade of representatives of youth public organizations of the region and international students, including students of the Institute of International Cooperation, Penza State University.

As part of the Festival, the IX International Forum "Dialogue of Cultures" was held on the Fountain Square, where PSU international students also took part. They introduced the guests to the traditions and customs of their countries: they treated them to national cuisine, delighted the audience with national songs and dances, arranged photo zones and held workshops.

Victoria Hitdahouse, a student from Indonesia, has taken part in the Dialogue of Cultures for the first time. As part of the work of the concert venue, the girl performed two musical compositions and received an incredible boost of energy: “Everyone danced and sang along, and children even came out to me and we danced with them! It was a very warm welcome! It's nice that there is an opportunity to join in the traditions of other countries."

The forum ended with a traditional ethno-disco.

On the second day of the Festival, September 8, in the Lermontov Regional Library, the Forum of Young Parliamentarians took place, in which Adel Maqbol, Chairman of the Association of International Students of the Penza Region, and PSU students from India took part. “Both the Festival itself and all the events held within the framework of “Lastochka” contribute to strengthening international friendship among representatives of different countries of the world. This is very important and valuable!” emphasized Adel Maqbol.

“Lastochka” ended on September 8, at the Pervomaisky stadium, with a music festival of KVN teams “Governor's Cup” with the participation of the Major League teams.