Rustam Minnikhanov takes part in XVI All-Russia Sabantuy in Penza region

On 27 June the Rais (Head) of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov and the Governor of Penza region Oleg Melnichenko took part in the XVI All-Russia rural Sabantuy held at the Village of Malyy Truev of the region. 

Upon his arrival to the village, Rustam Minnikhanov laid flowers to the monument of the fallen during the Great Patriotic War (WW II) and then visited the Batyr sports complex, where he got acquainted with the exhibition of paintings by R. Zagidullin and F. Halikov “Medieval history of the Tatars” which show history of the Volga Bulgaria and Kazan. 

After having visited the construction site of a public cultural center with a mosque, the Rais of the republic and Oleg Melnichenko went to the Sabantury venue, where Tatarstan was represented by Kukmor region. Rustam Minnikhanov and the Governor looked round national homesteads which demonstrated traditional household items, examples of folk applied crafts and national cuisine and watched belt wrestling and horse races. 

The Rais of Tatarstan welcomed guests of the holiday and said: “It is a great honor for us to be present at this fest. Lately Penza region is undergoing through great transformations. I thank the Governor for remarkable preparation of Sabantuy and great attention attached to issues of strengthening inter-ethnic friendship. Sabantuy is a holiday not only for the Tatars but for everyone.” 

In his turn Oleg Melnichenko stated that nearly 100 thousand Tatars live in Penza region. In 2017 the region already hosted the All-Russia rural Sabantuy and in the current year it is held in Mally Truev, which is one of the oldest Tatar villages established about 450 years ago.

“In total, representatives of more than 100 ethnicities live in Penza region. Let the plough fest strengthen our friendship and unity. Together we are Russia, together we are forever,” he concluded. 

Then Rustam Minnikhanov and Oleg Melnichenko handed in a number of awards for the special contribution in preservation and development of Tatar culture and traditions in Penza region.