"We are proud to live in a strong, free country": how Russia Day is celebrated in Kazan

      In the Kazan Kremlin, a Parade of Friendship of Peoples took place

      The centenary of Vitaly Kopylov's birth

      Russia Day in the capital of Tatarstan today is also accompanied by a jubilee date - the centenary of the birth of Vitaly Kopylov, who led the Kazan Aviation Plant for over 20 years. Flowers were laid at the bust of the legendary director of KAPO named after S.P. Gorbunov by the President of Tatarstan, Rustam Minnikhanov. "First of all, I congratulate you on Russia Day. This holiday symbolizes the unity of our people, pride in our country, its history, and the people who strengthened the economic and defense power with their labor. One of those people was Vitaly Yegorovich Kopylov - a native of a simple peasant family. Thanks to his determination, deep knowledge, and strong character, he became the head of the largest aviation plants in the country (in addition to KAPO, also the Far Eastern Machine-Building Plant in Komsomolsk-on-Amur - note by T-i), forever inscribing his name in the history of domestic aircraft manufacturing," said Minnikhanov at the ceremony. He reminded that under Kopylov's leadership, KAZ became the flagship of the industry, modernization of production was carried out here, and the production of new types of equipment was mastered. For example, the legendary strategic bomber Tu-160 - a symbol of the power of domestic aviation, the supersonic bomber Tu-22, and the long-range aircraft Il-62 rolled off the assembly line. "For many years, Vitaly Yegorovich bore a significant public burden and was repeatedly elected as a deputy of the Supreme Council of the TASSR, actively participating in solving the issues of the republic's development and supporting labor collectives. At his initiative, tens of thousands of square meters of housing for factory workers were put into operation annually. Great attention was paid to the construction of kindergartens, cultural and sports facilities," noted the President of Tatarstan. He emphasized that Kopylov will always be remembered as a principled person with a true state approach, who was able to unite the team around great goals and achieve results that still serve the good of the Fatherland today. The ceremony concluded with the laying of red roses in memory of the legendary head of the aviation enterprise. After that, Rustam Minnikhanov spoke with the factory workers who came that morning to the bust of the legendary director.

      "Recognition of merits should become a stimulus for new achievements"

      Then the President of Tatarstan went to the Kazan Kremlin, which became one of the main venues for celebrating Russia Day in the city. Here, in the building of the Presence Places, an award ceremony was held for distinguished residents of the republic. Greeting those gathered, Minnikhanov emphasized that Russia Day is one of the main state holidays of the country, which highlights the unity of our multinational people, patriotism, and devotion to the Motherland. According to him, Russia is successfully coping with external challenges today and developing in all directions. And Tatarstan, being a support region of the country, makes a significant contribution to strengthening the state. "Significant changes are taking place in the republic: new productions are opening, housing and social facilities are being built, public spaces are being improved, cities and rural areas are transforming, and the field of science and education is also improving," noted the President. He reminded that 2026 has been declared the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia, as well as the Year of Military and Labor Valor in Tatarstan. Minnikhanov thanked the participants of the special military operation, who show courage and bravery and make a serious contribution to the defense of the Fatherland. Separately, the President of Tatarstan noted the deceased senior electrical engineer of the special economic zone "Alabuga," Nikita Lyanger, who was posthumously awarded the Order of Courage today. Minnikhanov also thanked all those present for their achievements and emphasized that high state awards are recognition of their talent and professionalism. "Recognition of merits should become a stimulus for new achievements. I wish everyone present good health, prosperity, and success," concluded the President of Tatarstan.

      Friendship of peoples from Latin America to Asia

      At the same time, a traditional Parade of Friendship of Peoples took place on the territory of the Kremlin, which united more than a thousand participants. They all marched in a large friendly column from the Spasskaya Tower to the Kul-Sharif Mosque, and then through the Cannon Courtyard - to the courtyard of the Presence Places. "Traditionally, on Russia Day, together with our national-cultural autonomies, we hold the Parade of Friendship of Peoples. We demonstrate the unity of all peoples living on the territory of Russia," said Timur Kadyrov, director of the House of Friendship of Peoples of Tatarstan, to the correspondent of "Tatar-inform." He emphasized that Russia Day is a big family holiday that allows everyone to come together and showcase their culture. The procession amazed the residents and guests of Kazan with the diversity of nationalities represented: African, Latin American, Asian, and, of course, those living in various corners of Russia. "Pay attention to the rich palette of national costumes of the participants in the procession. Many different peoples are represented. This is a presentation of unity. It is symbolic, considering that this year has been declared by the President of the country as the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia," noted Damir Natfullin, Deputy Minister of Culture of Tatarstan, in a conversation with "Tatar-inform." He emphasized that for Tatarstan, where representatives of 175 nationalities live in peace and harmony, such cultural diversity is of special significance. "Moreover, in Tatarstan, folk holidays are highly respected. Throughout almost the entire year, national holidays are held with the support of the President of the republic, Rustam Minnikhanov," noted Natfullin.

      "Our experience of unity is unique"

      The parade concluded in the courtyard of the Presence Places of the Kremlin, where by that time a large-scale festival "Mosaic of Cultures" had unfolded. Here, representatives of the nationalities living in Tatarstan told the residents and guests of Kazan about their national culture.

      "We are proud to live in a strong, free country. Our experience of unity is unique: descendants of many generations, representatives of different nationalities and faiths, speaking different languages, are united by loyalty to the Fatherland and a careful attitude towards the heritage of our ancestors. The foundation of our unity is mutual respect and common spiritual and moral values," said Rustam Minnikhanov, welcoming the guests of the festival. He emphasized that "Mosaic of Cultures" is a vivid example of the unity of representatives of all peoples and confessions, mutual respect, and recognition of the significance of each citizen, each people of our Motherland. "It is very important that for more than ten years, in the very heart of the capital of Tatarstan, the Parade of Friendship has been held on Russia Day. The scale of this procession is expanding, and the festival program is becoming increasingly rich," added the President of Tatarstan. At 4:00 PM, the celebration continued on the square in front of the "Kazan" Family Center. A large-scale concert is taking place here, featuring the group "Korni" and singer Firdus Tyamaev as headliners. The celebration of Russia Day will conclude at 10:00 PM with fireworks launched from the Kazanka water area.

      Photo: Press service of the President of Tatarstan