Yekaterinburg glows blue for World Autism Awareness Day 2024

Yekaterinburg is preparing for a series of events to mark World Autism Awareness Day. The city, along with 11 others in Sverdlovsk Oblast, will take part in the annual Light It Up Blue campaign. Landmarks will glow blue, while festivals and educational activities aim to raise understanding of autism. The Light It Up Blue campaign has been held in Yekaterinburg since 2016, backed by the city administration. This year, blue lighting will illuminate key buildings, including the City Administration headquarters and local theatres. The special lighting runs from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM on Lenin Avenue and Sverdlov Street, symbolising calm, balance, and support for autism awareness.

A nationwide inclusive festival, #PeopleLikePeople, takes place on April 1 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The following day, schools and universities will host 'lessons in kindness', featuring talks from experts on autism. These sessions aim to educate students and promote acceptance. The fifth international SOCIO Forum in Yekaterinburg will also contribute, with over 70 planned events. Alongside the capital, 11 other cities in Sverdlovsk Oblast—such as Nizhni Tagil and Kamensk-Uralsky—will join the awareness efforts on April 2.

The campaign brings together communities across the region to highlight autism awareness. Blue-lit landmarks and public events will draw attention to the cause. Organisers hope the activities will foster greater understanding and inclusion.