Rustam Minnikhanov attends the 18th International Festival of Tatar Songs "Tatar Zhyry"

On December 16, at the Piramida Entertainment Complex in Kazan, Tatarstan President Rustam Minnikhanov together with his wife Gulsina Minnikhanova attended the opening ceremony of the 18th International Festival of Tatar songs “Tatar Zhyry”, which started with Gouzel Urazova and Elvin Gray singing the song that won the Best Song nomination last year.

Being the only festival with 18 years of history, the Tatar Zhyry is rightfully called the most large-scale event in the field of Tatar pop music. For the first time ever the festival was held in 1999 and lasted for five days. Since 2003, the festival has become international.

At the end of the concert, Minnikhanov shared his impressions with journalists. "Many thanks to the organizers of the event, sponsors and spectators, who attended the concert, for this wonderful holiday, which was held in a very warm atmosphere. As long as songs live, our language, culture and traditions live,” Minnikhanov said.