The WeHo Mishka Festival on May 17 highlights the music, food, dance and storytelling traditions of the diverse Russian-speaking population. (photo courtesy of Alec Wolvec)

West Hollywood is recognizing the rich traditions of Russian-speaking immigrants from the former Soviet Union during Russian-Speaking Community Cultural Heritage Month in May.

On Sunday, May 3, at noon, the city’s Russian-speaking Advisory Board will host the annual Victory in Europe Day commemoration at Fiesta Hall in Plummer Park, 7377 Santa Monica Blvd. Admission is free for the remembrance event, which marks the defeat of the Nazi regime and honors the estimated 50 million people who died during World War II. A special documentary will pay tribute to Russian-speaking World War II veterans, followed by a program dedicated to the 81st anniversary of the Victory in Europe over the Nazi regime. Veterans and their family members and friends will place flowers and wreaths at the World War II Veterans Memorial in Plummer Park and share stories.

The event will also include the Helix Collective Ensemble and vocalist Alison Lewis performing songs of the World War II era, as well as “Letters from the Front,” an exhibit of the personal words of soldiers and their families written during the war.

The city will host its 25th annual WeHo Mishka Festival on Sunday, May 17, from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. at Plummer Park. The event celebrates the rich traditions, creativity and lasting contributions of the Russian-speaking community through art, history, language and performance. The family-friendly outdoor event showcases the music, food, dance and storytelling traditions of a community of more than 100 ethnic groups. It includes a special guest appearance by Rustam Shtar, a dazzling performance from Queen of Dance, Kristine W. and internationally acclaimed masters across multiple genres.

This year’s celebration also includes the “Bridging Through Colors” art exhibit, which uses color as a universal language to bring people together across cultures, generations and lived experiences. The project supports West Hollywood’s diverse community, especially immigrant and multicultural community members, by creating a welcoming civic-space program where residents can connect through visual storytelling, shared values and creative expression. The exhibit will be open each Thursday through Sunday from 1-5 p.m., through Sunday, May 17. 

West Hollywood is home to a large community of people from regions of the former Soviet Union. Approximately 11% of residents identify a former region of the Soviet Union as their primary place of ancestry. For information, call Tatyana Rodzinek, West Hollywood Russian-speaking community programs coordinator, at (323)848-6826, or visit weho.org.