Farid Mukhametshin took part in international "St. Petersburg Sabantui - 2013"

23.06.2013

Dozens of thousands of guests from Russian regions and abroad gathered today for the first international “St. Petersburg Sabantui” near Syargi village of Leningrad oblast. Chairman of the State Council of the Republic of Tatarstan Farid Mukhametshin congratulated them on behalf of the republican leadership.
The steering committee decided to give St. Petersburg Sabantui an international status. For the first time it brought together guests from all Tatar and Bashkir national-cultural communities of Leningrad oblast and St. Petersburg, as well as from Poland, Ukraine, Sweden, Finland, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kirgizia.
Farid Mukhametshin and members of the Tatarstan delegation traditionally visited various holiday sites. The Tatarstan exhibition halls were organized by Almetyevsk municipal district: picturesque decoration included architectural fragments of the Kazan Kremlin, presentation of Universiade, Tatar farmsteads with traditional crafts and works – the very soul of people’s holiday.
After the flag flying ceremony, Governor of the Leningrad oblast Alexandr Drozdenko greeted the guests. “The Leningrad oblast welcomes Sabantui every year. This holiday starts on the eve of the World summer Universiade in Kazan. We understand that it is a great responsibility for Tatarstan. We wish Kazan success!” He also said that the most important thing is friendship between people. “Sabantui for us is not only holiday of Tatars and Bashkirs, but of all Leningrad oblast.”

Farid Mukhametshin heartily welcomed representatives of Russian regions and foreign countries. “Sabantui has many faces, it spreads worldwide, people in many countries celebrate it,” he said. “This year celebrations take place in more than 50 countries. Sabantui becomes the place of unity for representatives of different nations, place of meeting of friends and relatives, place where our children get acquainted and later celebrate weddings. Everyone looks forward to it. The holiday came from the remote past and got new impetus and strength in our times. The Leningrad oblast and St. Petersburg have actively supported it. We thank you and look forward to meeting you in Kazan during the Universiade!”
The guests visited Tatar and Bashkir ethnic and folklore villages, watched performances of song and dance groups, saw the strength and skills of “Kuresh” wrestlers. The champion wrestler got keys from a new “Lada - Kalina” on behalf of the Tatarstan President. There also were traditional entertainments, guests could try national cuisines and buy souvenirs.

Administation of the State Council