Rustam Minnikhanov takes part in XV All-Russia rural Sabantuy in Kirov region

On 28 June the Rais (Head) of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov, the Governor of Kirov region Aleksandr Sokolov, the Governor of Penza region Oleg Melnichenko and the Tatarstan Deputy Prime Minister Vasil Shaykhraziev, who is also the Chairman of the National Council of the World Tatar Congress, took part in the XV All-Russia rural Sabantuy Holiday held in the settlement of Vyatskiye Polyany of Kirov region.

The holiday gathered guests from more than 70 regions of Russia and its programme included arts and crafts fairs and the agricultural machinery exhibition. The central events were All-Russia belt-wrestling competitions and the demonstration of equestrian clubs at a special race-course.

Creative teams from Tatarstan, Kirov and other regions of Russia took part in the cultural programme of the holiday, while all guests could take part in Russian and Tatar folk games and national dances.

Rustam Minnikhanov, Aleksandr Sokolov and Oleg Melnichenko got acquainted with Vyatka, Tatar and Bashkir homesteads which demonstrated richness of culture and life of people living in Kirov region and there were special events dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War (WWII).

Welcoming participants and guests of Sabantuy, Aleksandr Sokolov said: “Special words of thanks to the leadership p of Tatarstan for having entrusted us to hold such a large scale event. We are multiethnic people and Russians, Tatars, Bashkir, Mordva, Mari and all indigenous people live together and love our Motherland. I would love to give special welcome to veterans of the Special military operation. God grant that all our guys return home with a victory.”

In his turn Rustam Minnikhanov thanked the leadership of Kirov region for the perfect organization of the event and said: “It is a great honor for us to be present at this wonderful fest. Hosts of today’s Sabantuy are our good friends and we can feel their hospitality and cordiality. I wish everyone good health, happiness and prosperity.”

Bashkortostan Deputy Prime Minister Aleksandr Shildyaev read out a welcoming address from the Head of Bashkortostan Radiy Khabirov, who wrote: “It is one of the brightest and beloved holidays which has been celebrated from time immemorial by people in the Urals and Volga region Sabantuy is our common holiday of labour, friendship and concord.”

Next year the XVI All-Russia rural Sabatuy will take place in the Settlement of Maly Truev of Penza region and its Governor Oleg Melnichenko was handed in a rolling symbol of the rural Sabantuy   - Tulpar (a winged horse).