In multinational Russia, the word "sabantui" often refers to a cheerful and noisy, often youthful, party .But in fact it is a traditional national holiday, and timed to a certain time of the year .In our country Sabantuy is celebrated by Bashkirs and Tatars, the latter with a special scale .Otherwise, no way: after all Sabantuy marks the end of spring labors and the arrival of the long-awaited summer .In translation from the Tatar "Sabantuy" ("Saban Tue" or "Saban Bayram") - this is a "plow wedding" .The Tatars of Mordovia have a similar holiday, which is called the Baltai ("honey feast") .Something similar is for northern Caucasians .

Sabantui historically lasted a long time, beginning in the spring and ending already closer to summer. Today, the state of affairs is somewhat different, and often the Tatars note not one but two Sabantuyas: the first is symbolically timed to the end of spring, and the second - to the beginning of autumn, before the mowing.

The traditional prize for the last finalist - live lamb - is handed to this day, although in recent years it is increasingly supplemented by something more "urban" (for example, a car).

Sabantuy in Kazan is the last of a long series of holidays that take place throughout the country .With a specific date, they usually guess by Sunday: there is no official day for Sabantuy .Historically Sabantuy was filled with many ceremonial actions, which were carried out in strict sequence .They included painting eggs, walking on guests, and collecting products for the joint preparation of certain festive dishes .Nowadays everything has become a bit simpler, but also fun: Sabantuy in Kazan is folk festivals, refreshments and games .In recent years, events often take place outside the city .

Sabantuy in Kazan in 2013

The tradition of Sabantuy involves mandatory cleaning in the house and collecting gifts on the eve of the holiday .The very celebration and the place where it is held is called the same - Maydan .Here they arrange tables with refreshments and everything necessary for competitions .In Kazan, Sabantuy always opens the speech of the President of the Republic, after which begins a cultural program with music and dancing .After the time comes sports, for the victory in which the participants receive prizes .The most spectacular part of the competition is the last one in which batyr fighters fight each other in the national struggle .The traditional prize for the last finalist - live lamb - is handed to this day, although in recent years it is increasingly supplemented by something more "urban" (for example, a car) .Fun on the Maidan passes from the late morning until the middle of the day .After lunch, a more youthful and less formal part of Sabantuy begins ("evening Sabantuy") .

During the Soviet era, Sabantuy was not very approved, and many traditional actions were banned. Today, everything is exactly the opposite: all three presidents of Russia at different times attended Kazan Sabantuy and even personally participated in competitions.

The time and place of Sabantuy in Kazan is determined annually by the decree of the city administration. In 2015, Sabantuy in Kazan will celebrate on June 21.