Moscow to host international tea festival

Moscow will host the first annual international tea festival on Septemer 6-7, 2003, according to the Moscow city information center. All the major tea-producing countries are expected to participate.

Exhibitions will be held during the course of the festival throughout Moscow, which will be devoted to tea-related themes. Moreover, national tea-drinking week will be created in several countries along with conferences and seminars. The Kuskovo museum estate will be play host to a diplomatic reception entitled 'tea cups of the world' and include discussion of tea conventions, and call for a world dialogue between countries. Red Square will host a tea holiday not only for specialists but for all lovers of tea. 10 pavilions will be assembled on the square, which will showcase styles and particularities of tea and tea-drinking in different parts of the world. Here it will be possible to become acquainted with world traditions of tea-drinking. Moreover, Red Square will also play host to an assembled trade and fair complex where it will be possible to taste different teas.

Organizers of the event include the Agriculture Ministry, Foreign Ministry, Health Ministry, Culture Ministry and Moscow City Government.