“Sabantuy 2026” Held in Perm

Photo: Vitaly Koksharov

In celebration of the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia Tatar and Bashkir traditions of Perm Krai joint together in the format of a large city festival.

Today, the city’s main square turned into a centre of Turkic culture and hospitality for one day. Dedicated to the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia the joint city and regional holiday “Sabantuy 2026” was held here large scale. Thousands of Perm residents and city guests took part in this huge event, which brought together the Tatar and Bashkir traditions of Perm Krai.

The holiday began at noon with an opening ceremony on the main stage. A symbolic event was the start of the parade of delegations: representatives of municipalities of Perm Krai walked through the festival grounds as well as honoured guests from tTatarstan and Bashkortostan.

The Mayor of Perm Eduard Sosnin addressed the participants with a welcome speech. He emphasised the special significance of the event.

“Last time such a large-scale Sabantuy took place in our city in 2018. It is symbolic that in the Year of Unity of the Peoples of Russia, the Tatars and Bashkirs of Perm Krai once again gathered as one big, friendly family to celebrate in the capital of the region. Sabantuy is a journey into the unique world of the Turkic peoples, where songs, dances, national cuisine and folk art are woven into a vibrant celebration of true oriental hospitality,” said the Mayor of Perm.

The musical programme was rich and varied. Throughout the day, professional groups including the Neftekamsk State Philharmonic and artists from Tatarstan performed on the main and secondary stages. Amateur folk groups, folk ensembles and musicians from all over Perm Krai performed for the public.

As a part of the sports programme, national wrestling competition known as “Көрәш” were held. After the qualifying rounds, the strongest wrestlers scaped to the final, and the highlight of the event was the announcement of the absolute winner. In a formal ceremony on the main stage, the title of “Absolute Batyr” was conferred upon the winner and he was presented with a valuable prize. In addition, everyone could compete in kettlebell lifting, tug-of-war, running with a shoulder-yoke and other traditional entertainments.

A separate area with games and contests was organised for children, where young participants competed in sack races and other fun competitions. Adults enjoyed exploring traditional lifestyles of the peoples at thematic farmsteads, tried dishes of national cuisine at a food-court and purchased handicraft products at the fair.

The holiday ended with an awards ceremony for all the winners, and the evening programme seamlessly flowed into an energetic disco.