Held annually on the last Saturday of July, the Istobensk Cucumber Festival is a vibrant celebration of Russian culture and heritage. This year, the event gained added significance with the participation of international students from Kirov SMU, facilitated by the Department of International Relations, led by Elena Sharapova.

      The festival was graced by the presence of acting rector Leo Zheleznov, who emphasised the event's importance in fostering intercultural understanding and highlighted the health benefits of cucumbers.

      A central attraction of the festival was the Cucumber Crunch World Championship. Participants from thirteen countries, including Bangladesh, Nigeria, Egypt, Tanzania, Senegal, Yemen, and other, competed for the coveted title. The winner was determined by measuring the volume of sound produced during the crunch.

      Ahmed Salah,student of Kirov SMU from Egypt, emerged victorious with a resounding 70.9 decibels, securing the title of Cucumber Crunch World Champion. Notably, the second-place position was also claimed by a Kirov SMU student, Hegazi Eslam.

      The international participants expressed their delight at experiencing the warmth and friendliness of the Russian festival, noting that it offered a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in Russian culture, discover the traditions of the Vyatka region, and forge new friendships.

      We are proud of our students and their role in enhancing the university's global reputation.