Magadan's Night of Geography Unites Locals Through Interactive Heritage Celebrations

Magadan recently hosted its annual Night of Geography event, drawing crowds to the headquarters of the Russian Geographical Society. Visitors of all ages took part in interactive activities, from solving riddles to exploring local history through guided tours and exhibitions. Outside the society’s building, families gathered before stepping inside to join the festivities. New arrivals were greeted with geographical charades and quizzes testing their knowledge of Kolyma’s history, ethnography, and ecology. Educational quests challenged participants on regional geography and literature, while children and adults traced protected trails on detailed maps.

Irina Borshchevskaya presented a mobile exhibition, *Northern Ex Libris*, organised by the Magadan Regional Museum. Meanwhile, Natalya Rastegayeva, an English teacher, shared original poems inspired by geography. The *Okhotnik* Publishing House also contributed, offering a selection of memoirs and expedition diaries for attendees to explore. Guided tours highlighted artefacts from the ancient town of Gizhiga and the expeditions of Rudolf Sedov. Young artists joined the *I Draw My City* plein-air session, sketching local landmarks. At the end of the evening, every winner received a special diploma, presented by Natalya Busalaeva, deputy head of Magadan’s Youth Affairs and Public Relations Department.

The event brought together residents to celebrate regional heritage through hands-on learning. Participants left with a deeper understanding of Kolyma’s landscape, history, and culture—along with diplomas for those who excelled in the challenges. Organisers plan to continue the tradition in future years.