June 18 in the village Kulegash of the Agryz region of Tatarstan republican festival of Mari culture "Semyk" held

Yesterday, June 18, in the village of Kulegash   of the Agryz region of Tatarstan a  republican festival of Mari culture "Semyk"  was held. Within its  framework horse-races, master classes and a separate platform  for children   have been were organized.

The event brought together not only the villagers from around the region, but also representatives of Aktanysh, Menzelinsk, Mendeleev, Kukmor, Arsk, Baltasinsky, Muslyumovsky, Yelabuga, Kazan and Naberezhnye Chelny, as well as neighboring republics  - Udmurtia, Mari El, Bashkortstan.  The festival has  gathered about 20 creative collectives.

The event was attended by  RT Minister of Culture Airat Sibagatullin, chief of the implementation of the National Policy Department of the President on issues of domestic policy Danil Mustafin, head   of   the Agryz region of Tatarstan Valery Makarov and others.

Prior to the event guests of honor visited the open-air museum, met with Mari, Tatar and Russian courtyards  where the life and cuisine of these nations were represented.

Minister of Culture Airat Sibagatullin welcomed the guests of the festival on behalf of President of Tatarstan Rustem Minnehanova. "Today we have seen the character of the Mari people; they are  diligent, hardworking and cultured", - he said.

Danil Mustafin and Valery Makarov welcomed the participants in the Mari language. "We know how to work hard and have a good rest", - said the head of the region.

At the celebration especially for children a separate area, and a small stage  for children has been prepared . A master class on creating Mari dolls and clothes was held. Guests of the festival with pleasure participated in competitions, tug of war, battles with bags, running in sacks, running with a yoke and in other sports.

Also in the "Semyka" competitions "of Mari patyr" and "Mari Cheverev udyr" were held.

For reference.  The RT  Agryzsky  region is home to about 3 thousand Maries. Last time,  "Semyk"  was  celebrated in  2010.

Press service

Ministry of Culture, according to

"Tatar-Inform"