Ponirebrik (Пониребрик)

About the event

Ponirebrik is a medium-sized MLP: FiM con, usually held in spring (March or April). At first, it was a one-day event, and since 2017 a two-day event. As with other similar MLP cons held in Russia, the two-day event is divided into thematic sections.

The first day is dedicated to panels, games, competitions, and vendors – a classic con program, which takes place in conference halls and other rooms. Here you will find presentations, panels, workshops, cosplay or singing competitions, stalls with vendors, etc. The second day is dedicated exclusively to concerts and music performances – it usually takes place in a concert hall or music club.

The hall with stalls is divided into two rooms: in the first one, you will find merchandise vendors, where you will often come across merch, that you will not find anywhere else in Europe, and in comparison with MLP cons in Central and Western Europe also at very favorable prices. The stalls in the second part are not primarily for sale, but for the presentation of community projects or purely for entertainment. Both are definitely worth visiting.

What you definitely don’t want to miss are the cosplays. Sure, you will come across them at all MLP conventions around the world, but both in craftsmanship and roleplay, the standard of Russian bronies is significantly high. The cosplay competition is a big show event at a very professional level.

If you do not speak Russian, the language barrier can be an obstacle, especially if your mother language is not Slavic. On the other hand, you will enjoy cosplay, singing competition, concerts, and another program without knowing the local language.

Ponyrebrik is definitely worth a visit even if you do not speak the local language (in which case a translator on your cellphone or dictionary is suitable). If you travel from a more distant part of the world, you may encounter cultural differences, but at least at the event itself, you will encounter very nice people with whom you share a lot as bronies. In addition, you have the opportunity to see with your own eyes that the magic of friendship works everywhere, regardless of differences.

History

It was first held in February 2016, as a one-day event with a total participation of around 400 bronies and it was the first MLP convention in St. Petersburg. Since 2017, it has been held in two days, including concerts, and is gradually growing.

On the 13th of April 2023, organizers published the following post on their social media, stating that the Ponirebrik in its current form is not going to happen again (translated to English using Google Translate):

Dear friends!
This is probably not the post that everyone was expecting from us. But we need to have a serious talk.

This year our favorite series turns 13 years old. Whether it’s a lot or a little, it’s hard to say. One thing is clear – a lot has changed since that time, first of all, we have become different.
From our team, someone has already left for another country, someone has completely moved away from the fandom, and someone is engaged in new creative projects. That’s life.
We thought for a long time and, in the end, decided to honestly confess to you: unfortunately, there will never be Ponyrebriks in their former form again. Our hearts are filled with sadness and tenderness. Thanks to all our loved ones: guests, artists, cosplayers, musicians, crafters, volunteers, and photographers. To everyone who has just been with us these years! All-all-all – you are our love and soul.
Perhaps we will meet again in parallel universes, or on other projects. But that will be a completely different story.
We know one thing for sure – we will forever remain in each other’s hearts and will always remember the time spent together. Bye-bye, folks.

Mascot

The main mascot of the con is Rebrik – a dark gray earth pony with a blue mane. His cutie mark is an upside-down horseshoe on the waves of water and is usually depicted with a dark blue hat and tie of the same color.