Ancient rituals, a beauty contest, and a kvass festival: how "Uyav" will take place in Cheremshana

      In 2026, the main venue for the Chuvash holiday will be the Cheremshan district, which will gather more than 2,000 participants.

      "Uyav" is an opportunity to touch the culture of the Chuvash people.

      The Republican holiday of Chuvash culture "Uyav" will take place at the "Saban Tuy" stadium on July 11 in the Cheremshan district of Tatarstan. As noted by the Deputy Minister of Culture of the Republic of Tatarstan, Damir Natfullin, this is one of the largest national events held with the support of the President of Tatarstan, Rustam Minnikhanov. "We have already crossed the equator of a series of traditional folk holidays, and ahead, in fact, is the most interesting. First of all, this is one of the most massive - the national holiday of Chuvash culture 'Uyav'," he said. According to Natfullin, the special significance of the holiday is related to the fact that the Chuvash are the third largest ethnic group in Tatarstan after the Russians and Tatars. He also reminded that 2026 has been declared the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia by the President of the Russian Federation. "Uyav" is, of course, a holiday, but at the same time, it is an opportunity to touch the unique traditions and history of the Chuvash people, to introduce our children and the younger generation to our culture," the deputy minister noted. He added that in recent years, national holidays have become more meaningful. "Our celebrations are becoming deeper in historical, educational, and cultural terms. Because patriotism and love for the Motherland begin with love for one's culture, one's roots, the culture of our parents and grandparents," emphasized Natfullin.

      More than 2,000 people have already confirmed their participation in the holiday.

      According to the head of the culture department of the Cheremshan district, Natalia Ilyaeva, the municipality is home to representatives of more than 20 nationalities who have lived in peace and harmony for many years. That is why holding the Republican holiday of Chuvash culture here has special significance. "On July 11, the Cheremshan district will become the epicenter of the Chuvash spirit and a true celebration of life," she said. As Ilyaeva noted, more than 2,000 people have already confirmed their participation in the holiday. Delegations are expected from the districts of Tatarstan, the Chuvash Republic, as well as from the Samara and Orenburg regions. Guests can expect dozens of thematic venues, master classes, competitions, performances by creative groups, and interactive programs. One of the central events will be the "Cheremshan Courtyard," where ancient Chuvash rituals will be showcased - naming ceremonies for infants, send-offs to the army, house construction, and the donning of a bride's headwear. "Our folk groups will be able to present their beautiful performances on stage. These are the traditions that live on with us and are passed down from generation to generation," emphasized Ilyaeva. The courtyard will also feature areas with museum exhibits, including collections of ancient pots and cradles. Additionally, there will be a poetic venue dedicated to a local figure, the people's poet Porfiry Afanasyev. Here, winners of the annual Afanasyev readings will perform - children and adults will read lines from the classics and contemporaries of Chuvash poetry.

      The "Uyav" holiday also has a beautiful tradition associated with the creation of new families. Before the start of the large round dance, an ancient ritual of driving in a stake takes place. The most respected elder recites a prayer with wishes for peace, goodness, and prosperity, after which the stake is driven in together by the young couple. "Such a couple always gets married later. We then hold a joyful wedding. This year, we will also have such a couple. A good tradition," said the director of the holiday, head of the department for interaction with municipal entities, houses, and centers of friendship of the People's Friendship House of Tatarstan, Silvia Charkina.

      At "Uyav," the wisest and most talented girl of the holiday will be chosen.

      One of the long-awaited events of the holiday is the beauty and wisdom contest "Uyav Piki" ("Beauty of Uyav"). As Silvia Charkina explained, this contest is based on an ancient Chuvash tradition. "Uyav" is not just a tribute to fashion and not a beauty contest in the modern sense. Since ancient times, it was at this holiday that girls showcased their talents. They specially sewed outfits for "Uyav," competing in singing, dancing, and presenting themselves," she noted. According to Charkina, today the main focus for the jury is not the external beauty of the participants. The girls must demonstrate knowledge of the Chuvash language, folk traditions, and the beauty of the national costume. A special place in the program is occupied by the contest "Grandmother's Dress," during which participants come on stage in outfits of their grandmothers and great-grandmothers, carefully preserved in families. "The most important thing is knowledge of one's folk traditions," emphasized Charkina. All participants will receive commemorative gifts, including a traditional Chuvash headwear - masmak and national jewelry. The winner will also be awarded a tuhyu - a girl's headwear, which is considered one of the main symbols of Chuvash culture.

      What else awaits the guests of "Uyav."

      Throughout the day, the holiday will feature an open festival-competition of Chuvash choreography "Tashla Chavashla," a song festival "Yurla Chavashla," as well as a birdhouse competition organized by the Chuvash National-Cultural Autonomy of the Republic of Tatarstan.

      An interactive area "Acha-pacha vaiya karti" with folk games, creative master classes, and traditional amusements will be available for children. A separate part of the program will be a gastronomic area "Apat-ҫimes," where traditional Chuvash dishes will be presented - shartan, huplu, homemade kvass, and kukli pies. Culinary master classes and a Chuvash kvass festival will also take place here. "We will have a tasting of traditional Chuvash kvass. Many applications have already been submitted for the festival. Participants will present kvass made according to various recipes, and the best will receive prizes," said the head of the culture department of the Cheremshan district, Natalia Ilyaeva. Another new feature of the holiday will be the birdhouse competition. According to the first deputy chairman of the Chuvash National-Cultural Autonomy of the Republic of Tatarstan, Konstantin Malyshev, it is being held for the first time. "The 'Uyav' venue this year will be located on a beautiful forest clearing. We decided that the birdhouses made by the participants of the competition will remain here and remind us of the holiday. We asked the participants to decorate them with ornaments from their district or region," he noted. In addition, a crafts fair with handmade products, jewelry, and national costumes will be held at the stadium. The holiday will conclude with a grand gala concert featuring stars of Chuvash pop music.

      Photo: © Vladimir Vasiliev / "Tatar-inform"