The 11th All-Russian festival-fair "Kukmor Felt Boots" took place in Kukmor.

      On January 5, the city of Kukmor hosted one of the warmest and most anticipated winter celebrations — the 11th All-Russian Festival-Fair of Folk Arts "Kukmor Valenki." The event, organized with the support of the Republican grant for the winter season of the "Kürşe" festival, the Administration of Kukmor District and the Kukmor Felting and Wool-Felt Plant, once again confirmed its status as one of Tatarstan’s key cultural brands. The festival attracted more than 4,500 guests. The solemn opening ceremony was graced by greetings from honored guests: the head of the Kukmor municipal district Sergey Dimitriev, Deputy Minister of Culture of the Republic of Tatarstan Lenar Khakimzyanov, director of the Kukmor Felting and Wool-Felt Plant Lyalya Sharipova, a participant in the special military operation Eduard Kuzmin, and other officials. They emphasized the great importance of the festival for preserving folk traditions and strengthening interregional cultural ties. Throughout the day, a wide range of activities were organized for festival visitors: cheerful winter amusements, folk festivities, a festive program with music and dance, traditional winter folk games and much more. The focal point of the day was Komsomol Square, where a lively and colorful fair unfolded. Its main stars were the famous Kukmor valenki — cozy, bright felt boots decorated with delicate hand embroidery and traditional ornamentation, embodying the centuries-old craft heritage of the region. A special highlight of the celebration was a stylish runway presentation on stage showcasing modern winter collections: fashionable jackets from the Sewing Factory, as well as cozy uggs and traditional valenki from the Kukmor Felting and Wool-Felt Plant. On a separate site, guests from Udmurtia presented their distinctive craft traditions and exquisite handmade works. One of the liveliest and most spectacular parts of the festival were the sports and creative team competitions. Seven teams from municipal districts of Tatarstan — Atninsky, Vysokogorsky, Kukmorsky, Novosheshminsky — and from other regions of Russia, including the Chuvash Republic and Kirov Oblast, took part. After intense competition, the winners were decided: The Grand Prix of the festival was won by the "Black Bears" team from the Malmyzhsky District of Kirov Oblast; 1st place — the "Kilde-kitte" team from Kukmor District of the Republic of Tatarstan; 2nd place — the "Әtnä KISTekläre" team from Atninsky District of the Republic of Tatarstan; 3rd place — the "Kanash Yen" team from the Kanash Municipal District of the Chuvash Republic. A standout event was the traditional "Football in Valenki" tournament, which featured 16 teams from municipal districts of Tatarstan. The festival concluded with a large celebratory concert. From the stage sounded folk and modern Tatar songs performed by creative ensembles of the Kukmor District, popular artists Razil Kamalov and Rafina Ganiullina, as well as the band ABIEM PROJECT. The hosts of the festivities were Ruslan Gilmutdinov and Ruzal Akhmadiev. The "Kukmor Valenki" festival is a living chronicle of the people's soul, where every handcrafted item, every song and every sporting duel tells a story of love for the native land. It is a meeting with craftsmanship passed down through generations and with that special warmth born only among friends. It is a celebration that makes winter cozier and the spirit brighter. Photo: © Fanil Marsutdinov More news about the event: In Kukmor the 11th All-Russian Festival "Kukmor Valenki" took place On January 5, Kukmor hosted the 11th All-Russian festival-fair of folk arts "Kukmor Valenki", which gathered more than 4,500 people. 18:17 06.01.2026 GTRK Tatarstan - Kazan In Kukmor the 11th All-Russian festival-fair "Kukmor Valenki" was held On January 5, the city of Kukmor held one of the warmest and most anticipated winter celebrations — the 11th All-Russian festival-fair of folk arts "Kukmor Valenki". 17:47 06.01.2026 IA Tatar-inform - Kazan News from neighboring regions on the topic: The Sverdlovsk village of Aramashevo became a draw for tourists at the valenok celebration Folk festivities dedicated to the main symbol of the Russian winter — the valenok — gathered hundreds of guests from various regions of Russia. 18:12 06.01.2026 TriGoroda.RF - Krasnouralsk Souvenir valenki were taken home by guests from Kashira after the festival Photo: press service of the administration of Kashira urban district Author: Yuri Nikolaev The most popular souvenir at the winter festival "Valen’Oka Day" was, of course, valenki. 19:33 04.01.2026 Regions.Ru - Kashira