Kazan citizens celebrate the national holiday Sabantuy

(KZN.RU, July 15, Alsu Safina). The Tatar national holiday Sabantuy is held today in Kazan. Since the early morning, residents and guests of the city began to gather at the site of the festival: Berezovaya Roscha near the Mirny settlement.

Creative collectives from different regions of the republic created a festive atmosphere on the way to the main Maidan. Rustam Minnikhanov, the President of the RT, Ilsur Metshin, the Mayor of Kazan, appreciated the diversity of rural backyards, organized by 11 municipal regions. Also, Nada Al-Nashif, the deputy general director of UNESCO, and other honored guests visited the holiday.

In each backyard, the citizens and guests of Kazan could try national dishes steaming hot, try tea made of medicinal herbs from a samovar, and participate in various contests and folk competitions. The regions tried to present all their cultural diversity and originality.

At the end of the visit, the President of the RT was presented with talismans of the world championship of professional skill “WorldSkills” coming up in 2019: two mascots Almaz and Altyn.

At this time, the main Maidan hosted a festive program with the participation of various creative groups and performers: the children's vocal studio “Shlyager”, Sirina Zainetdinova, Rustem Nasybullin, the winner of the contest “Tatar Zhyry”, the dance group “Arizona”, Raphael Yakupov, and others.

Afterward, a colorful theatrical prolog began the Maidan with the participation of Tatar estrade stars and the best dance groups of the republic: the State Song and Dance Ensemble of the RT, the dance ensemble “Kazan”, the show-theater “Sharm”, the dance theater “The Road from the City”, the choreography studio “Alishevets”, A. Romanenko's vocal and choreographic center “Speckled Company”, the vocal trio “Zulyailya”, and others.

Nada Al-Nashif, the deputy general director of UNESCO, Alexey Simonov, the assistant to the Plenipotentiary of the President of the RF in the Volga Federal District, Rustam Minnikhanov, the President of the RT, and Ilsur Metshin, the Mayor of Kazan, congratulated citizens on the festival.

Nada Al-Nashif said that she was glad to be present at the holiday where all the wealth of Tatar culture and traditions are represented. “It's nice to enjoy songs and dances, to share this wonderful holiday, which is known all over Russia today, with you”, she noted and reminded that recently the Assumption Cathedral on the island of Sviyazhsk in Tatarstan was included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites.

R. Minnikhanov thanked the guest for the kind words. “Our next task is for Sabantuy to be included in UNESCO's intangible heritage list. I think, we will manage it, too”, said the President of the RT.

Ilsur Metshin, the Mayor of Kazan, called Sabantuy one of the most beloved and long-awaited holidays of citizens. “Kazan meets the holiday renewed”, he noted and expressed gratitude to the President of the RT, the Government of the republic, residents of the city, and industrial enterprises.

Alexey Simonov read out the greeting of Mikhail Babich, Plenipotentiary of the President of the RF in the Volga Federal District. The greeting said that Sabantuy is a holiday that allows touching native roots and preserve traditions.

In addition, the hosts of the holiday read out a greeting to the residents of the city, sent by Igor Shuvalov, the first deputy prime minister of the RF.

The Sabantuy's program on the Maidan continued with competitions in the national fight. Along with the fight, a sports ground began its work where everyone could test themselves in national contests. A separate platform was organized for the youngest guests of the holiday where fascinating competitions were held.

The festival will continue in the evening at 5.30 pm at the Kazan Hippodrome. There will be equestrian competitions. In addition, the audience will see the concert program with the participation of Tatar estrade stars and will be able to take part in the drawing of prizes. Fireworks will be given at the end of the holiday program.