Traditional holiday “Karavon” celebrated in Tatarstan for the 18th time

A traditional Russian holiday “Karavon” was celebrated in Laishevo region of Tatarstan. For the 18th time performers of national songs, craftsmen and audience gathered nearby settlement “Russkoe Nikolskoe”. “Karavon” has long been known throughout Russia. This time about 100 groups came here to perform from regions and towns of Tatarstan, Kirov oblast, Republic of Mari El, Chuvash and Udmurt republics. Traditionally distinguished guests such as Prime Minister of Tatarstan Ildar Khalikov and deputy prime minister – minister of culture Zilya Valeeva visited “Karavon”.

President of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov sent a welcome’s message to participants of the holiday: “Once again, as it was hundred years ago one can hear polyphony in settlement “Russkoe Nikolskoe” of Laishevo region. “Karavon” has received national support, obtained republican status and has become well-known outside Tatarstan. Today equally with Tatar Sabantui this holiday is the evidence of unity between Russian and Tatar people living in atmosphere of peace and good - neighborly relations for a long time. It is pleasant that organizers and participants of Karavon are constantly searching for new expressive means of true national spirit, unique identity, depth and diversity of the holiday”, - the President’s message says.

Ildar Khalikov himself attended “Karavon” for the first time. He thanked those people who once revived this holiday. “I wish sincerely so that a good, kind spirit we feel here preserve for many years”, - Prime Minister said.

Holiday “Karavon” in settlement “Russkoe Nikolskoe” of Laishevo region has more than 300-year history. It is dedicated to patron saint's day - Day of St. Nicolas the Wonderworker. In old times the holiday was celebrated for three days. It started from church service in village church, then was celebrated in houses of villagers and outside with street festivities and round dance.

“Karavon” united all villagers reminding about ancestors’ traditions and had pragmatic meaning – young people got married, middle-aged and elderly people visited each other, sang songs, prayed for repose of the dead and asked St. Nicholas for rich harvest.

In 1955 in connection with struggle against “religious opium” national holidays in Russian villages were forbidden. Nevertheless, in 1980s in “Russkoe Nikolskoe” villagers revived celebration of “Karavon” with support of enthusiasts of local House of culture. The tradition is still alive, because its bearers are alive. Geography of the holiday has also enlarged.

Since 1993 “Karavon” has obtained the status of Republican folk holiday which is organized by RT Ministry of culture, Republican scientific-methodical centre of public creativity and cultural-educative work of RT Ministry of culture, municipal unit “Laishevo municipal region”, Centre of Russian folklore, Kazan community of Russian culture and other organizations.

Only 7 folk groups from Tatarstan regions and towns took part in the first republican holiday. Today every year 60 ethnographic and vocal ensembles from republic and neighboring regions take part in celebrations.

Since 2003 the holiday has been held in accordance with RT President Edict.