The City of West Hollywood annually celebrates the rich traditions brought to the United States by Russian-speaking immigrants from the former Soviet Union. Each year, the City recognizes Russian-Speaking Community Cultural Heritage Month to embrace the diverse identities and cultural history of Russian-speaking community members whose origins span wide-ranging territories with varied religious and social traditions.

On Sunday, May 4, 2025 at 12 p.m. the City will host its annual Victory in Europe Day commemoration at Fiesta Hall in Plummer Park, located at 7377 Santa Monica Boulevard. This remembrance event marks the defeat of the Nazi regime and honors the estimated 50 million lives lost during World War II. A special documentary will pay tribute to Russian-speaking WWII veterans, followed by a spirited dance performance by Helix Collective featuring post-war classics from Count Basie, Irving Berlin, Edith Piaf, and others. Dance instructor Amy La Wren Ce will kick things off with a short foxtrot tutorial, inviting participants of all levels to join in the fun. Admission and parking are free; no reservations are required.

On Saturday, May 10, 2025, the City will host its 19th Annual Russian-Speaking Community Awards Ceremony and Classical Night Concert, beginning at 6 p.m. (doors open at 5:30 p.m.). This evening will take place at the City’s Council Chambers/Public Meeting Room, located at 625 N. San Vicente Boulevard. The event honors individuals, groups, and initiatives that have made meaningful contributions to the community. Following the awards, attendees will enjoy a variety of performances of world-class classical music. Admission is free. Donations will also be collected to directly benefit Casa De Luz shelter. For more information, please contact WeHoRusEvents@weho.org or call (323) 848-6501.

Closing out the month’s festivities is the 24th Annual WeHo Mishka Festival on Sunday, May 18, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Plummer Park, located at 7377 Santa Monica Boulevard. Hosted by the City and its Russian-Speaking Advisory Board, this family-friendly outdoor event showcases the music, food, dance, and storytelling traditions of a community composed of more than 100 ethnic groups. This year’s festival will feature a special performance by Grammy Award-winning artist Thelma Houston, international pop star Avraam Russo, and the internationally acclaimed Masters of World Circus Theatre of Physical Comedy, Aga-Boom. The WeHo Mishka Festival offers the opportunity to explore the cultural richness brought to the United States by Russian-speaking immigrants and celebrate community pride. Event details are available at www.weho.org/RSCweho.

As part of this year’s celebration, the Voices of Resilience Art Exhibition is now on view at Long Hall in Plummer Park, located at 7377 Santa Monica Boulevard. Curated by Lisa Rasmussen and juried by Peter Frank, this exhibition is presented by the City in partnership with Art is Moving, Lark Gallery, and Harmonia Institute, and features powerful works of art that explore healing, courage, and creative expression. Community members are invited to experience this thought-provoking exhibition, which runs through May 18, 2025. For more information, please visit www.LarkGallery.com or send an email message to transformativeartandcuration@gmail.com.

The City of West Hollywood is home to a large community of people from regions of the former Soviet Union. Approximately 11% of City residents identify a former region of the Soviet Union as their primary ancestry. The former Soviet Union encompassed 15 republics — Russia, Ukraine, Georgia, Belorussia, Uzbekistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Latvia, Lithuania, and Estonia. Russian culture has withstood centuries, and the Russian language unites people and serves to connect and deepen a common culture.

Many Russian-speaking community members established roots in West Hollywood after fleeing from discrimination and antisemitism. In the early 1970s, the then-USSR experienced a wave of emigration due to the politics of the government. Many people chose to come to Los Angeles to embrace the future opportunities of a free world for themselves and their children. They came here by way of support provided by local programs and nonprofits to assist Jewish immigrants in what would become incorporated as the City of West Hollywood. The City remains a thriving hub for the Russian-speaking community in the region.

Since 2001, the City has recognized the Russian-Speaking Community Cultural Heritage Month to bring to life the cultural and creative traditions of Russian-speaking community members with programming highlighting rich visual arts, performing arts, language, and history.

For more information, please contact Tatyana Rodzinek, City of West Hollywood Russian-Speaking Community Programs Coordinator, at (323) 848-6826 or at trodzinek@weho.org. For people who are Deaf or hard of hearing dial 711 or 1-800-735-2929 (TTY) or 1-800-735-2922 (voice) for California Relay Service (CRS) assistance.

For up-to-date information about City of West Hollywood news and events, follow @wehocity on social media, sign-up for news updates at www.weho.org/email, and visit the City’s calendar of meetings and events at www.weho.org/calendar. West Hollywood City Hall is open for walk-in services at public counters or by appointment by visiting www.weho.org/appointments. City Hall services are accessible by phone at (323) 848-6400 and via website at www.weho.org. Receive text updates by texting “WeHo” to (323) 848-5000.

For reporters and members of the media seeking additional information about the City of West Hollywood, please contact the City of West Hollywood’s Public Information Officer, Sheri A. Lunn, at (323) 848-6391 or slunn@weho.org.