Russian Consulate in Cape Town

🚀 LET YOUR CREATIVITY ORBIT INFINITY🚀 This year marks the 65th anniversary of humanity’s first journey into space – a historic milestone achieved by Yuri Gagarin, the Soviet cosmonaut and the first man to orbit Earth. To celebrate, the Russian Embassy in South Africa is launching a creative competition that honours imagination, courage, and the spirit of exploration. Theme: Be as limitless as the universe 🌌 Show us what “limitless” means to you – through art, design, or any creative expression. ❓Who can participate? We welcome artists of all ages across three categories: • Up to 8 years old • 8–14 years old •14+ years old ❓How to participate: • Create your artwork using any materials or techniques – drawing, painting, digital art, collage, or even AI tools, you can even write a poem, record a dance or a song (create beyond the stars) • Make sure your work reflects the theme “Be as limitless as the universe”. If your work mentions Yuri Gagarin and his feat – even better! •Post your artwork on social media •Tag the Russian Embassy’s account in your post to enter the competition 🤩 Let your imagination travel as far as the stars – and beyond. 📌 Deadline is 30 April,s prizes for each category will be space-related and brought from Russia! Just like the universe – you are limitless! #RussiaInSpace#FirstInSpace#RussianSpaceWeek2026

“Having orbited Earth in a spaceship, I saw for the first time how beautiful our planet is. People, let us preserve and increase this beauty and not destroy it!” — Yuri Alekseyevich Gagarin 🚀 The world changed forever in those moments when Vostok-1 launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome, and Yuri #Gagarin became the first person in history to enter Earth’s orbit and circle our planet. This collective feat of the entire Soviet Union, its scientists, and cosmonauts marked the beginning of the space era in human history. 🌏 Before the launch of the spacecraft, Yuri Gagarin addressed the people of the entire planet with these inspiring words: “Dear friends, both familiar and unknown, compatriots, people of all countries and continents! In just a few minutes, a mighty spacecraft will carry me into the vast expanses of the universe. What can I say to you in these final moments before the launch? My entire life now seems to me like one beautiful moment. Everything I have lived through and accomplished was done for the sake of this moment. Am I happy to be embarking on this spaceflight? Of course, I am! After all, throughout history, it has been the highest happiness for people to participate in new discoveries. Now, only a few minutes remain until the launch. I want to say goodbye to you, my dear friends, as people always say to each other when setting off on a long journey. How I wish I could embrace you all — both those I know and those I don’t, those far away and those close by! Until we meet again!” #CosmonauticsDay#Gagarin#FirstInSpace