A holiday of poetry dated to the 213th anniversary of the great poet considered the father of a modern Russian literary language was held in Kazan on the Freedom Square.

Chairman of the State Council Farid Mukhametshin congratulated Tatarstaners on this important event. Members of the Tatarstan Union of writers, the Peoples’ Assembly of republic, the World congress of Tatars, theatre figures, poets, deputies, and many Kazan dwellers gathered to hear and read the poetry of Alexander Pushkin.

The holiday started from the flower-laying ceremony.

“We have gathered here to pay tribute to the distinguished poet, playwright, who made a great contribution in development of the Russian and world literature and culture. Literary works of this outstanding Russian poet follow us through our lives. We know his literary pieces by heart and often quote them in our everyday life,” Farid Mukhametshin said.

He also noted that many memorable places in Kazan are connected with the poet’s name, he used to be there during his visit to the city in September of 1833.

The Day of Russian language is also celebrated on Alexander Pushkin’s birthday in Russia.

“Person's foundations, his moral and spiritual principles are laid by culture coming to us from many generations. We choose neither a native language nor a native culture, neither a place nor time of birth. When perceiving the world we are getting used to moral and spiritual heritage of our ancestors. Through the Pushkin’s word we learn about the powerful Russian culture and the Russian language which have become an integral component of the world civilization.”