Yuri Kamaltynov: "The strength of Russia lies in its national and cultural diversity."

      The festive Sabantuy square at the Kolomenskoye museum-reserve in Moscow today welcomed numerous guests from all corners of Russia, traditionally gathering representatives of different ages, nationalities, and faiths in one place. On behalf of the President of Tatarstan, the parliament, and the Government of the Republic, Deputy Chairman of the State Council of the Republic of Tatarstan Yuri Kamaltdinov congratulated Muscovites and guests of the capital on the plow festival.

      "The strength of Russia lies in its national and cultural diversity," emphasized Yuri Kamaltdinov, welcoming the guests of the Moscow square on behalf of the multinational people of Tatarstan. "We overcome difficulties together and celebrate our national holidays together, whether it is the Chuvash Uyay, the Mari Semyk, the Udmurt Gyron bytodon, the Mordovian Valda Shinyas, or the Slavic culture holiday Ivan Kupala... The diversity of holidays is like bright flowers in the wreath of the multinational culture of the Russian Federation. Today we celebrate Sabantuy. Sincere words of gratitude to the organizers and to all of you for being here and celebrating this holiday despite the threats posed by the weather."

      Yuri Kamaltdinov also read out a greeting from the President of the Republic of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov. "Sabantuy is a reflection of the soul of our people; it symbolizes the result of the hard work of farmers who laid the foundations for the future harvest," the greeting said. "Effort will bring peace and happiness, as the Tatars say, and this happiness is generously shared by the hospitable and cheerful square, inviting guests of different nationalities and faiths to national songs and dances, sports competitions and games, and a fair of agricultural achievements. Today, the holiday takes on special significance; it reminds us that the true strength of the people lies in its unity, loyalty to traditions, and moral guidelines."

      This year, Sabantuy in Moscow was held under the auspices of the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia. The organizers of the holiday were traditionally the Government of Moscow, the Government of the Republic of Tatarstan, the Government of the Republic of Bashkortostan, and the Tatar National-Cultural Autonomy of the city of Moscow. The celebrations were attended by the Plenipotentiary Representative of Tatarstan in the Russian Federation Ravil Akhmetshin, the Chairwoman of the Federation Council Committee on Science, Education and Culture Lilia Gumerova, the Head of the Department of National Policy and Interregional Relations of Moscow Vitaly Suchkov, and the Mayor of Naberezhnye Chelny Nail Magdeev.

      A rich program was organized for the holiday guests. From early morning, Tatar and Bashkir songs were heard in the square, national groups performed on the central stage, and folk games and fairs of national crafts were organized. On the "Street of Good Neighbors," a multinational program unfolded with tents from various peoples living in the capital, and at the World Cuisine venues, national dishes could be tasted.

      In the center of the square, "Tatar" and "Bashkir" ethnographic villages were set up—authentic stylized courtyards that allowed visitors to touch everyday life, get acquainted with the culture, traditions, and customs of fraternal peoples, and hear Bashkir and Tatar speech. Folk games and fairs of national crafts were also organized here.

      This year, the Tatar village was "built" by long-time partners of the Moscow Sabantuy—the representatives of Naberezhnye Chelny led by the city's mayor Nail Magdeev. The Republic of Bashkortostan was represented by the Alsheyevsky and Ziyanchoorsky districts.

      Exhibitions dedicated to the defenders of the Fatherland were also held on the territory of the museum-reserve, and actions such as "Letters to the SVO Fighters," "The Fate of a Soldier," and weaving camouflage nets took place.

      The educational program was prepared by the Russian State Social University, the Moscow Polytechnic University, and other universities. Career guidance platforms, master classes, and interactive activities were organized for the youth, while the family lecture hall of the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Russia once again focused on issues of traditional values and family upbringing.

      A special guest of the Moscow Sabantuy was the honored artist of the Republic of Tatarstan Firdaus Tyamaev. The audience was also treated to a vibrant concert program by the honored and folk artists of the Republic of Tatarstan and the Republic of Bashkortostan.

      Over several decades of its "registration" in the capital, the Moscow Sabantuy has long since transformed from a traditional holiday of the Turkic peoples into a multinational celebration. Each year it becomes more grand and spectacular. The tradition of celebrating Sabantuy in Moscow has been around for more than one decade. The first took place on August 12, 1934, and was regularly held in the Neskuchny Garden until 1940. In 1989, Sabantuy was revived in the capital and has since become a citywide holiday. During this time, it has gained popularity and become an integral part of the ethnocultural life of the metropolis's residents.