In his greeting to the participants and guests of the Sabantuy holiday, the Rais (Head) of Tatarstan Rustam Minnikhanov congratulated them with this remarkable Tatar national holiday and said: “As a symbol of awakening of the nature, praise of the creative work of farmers and hospitality of our people, the holiday, which has been carefully passed from generation to generation, has become a real personification of our original customs and the spiritual heritage.

For a good reason Sabantuy is the most beloved and long-awaited holiday of Tatars and residents of our republic. It has been and still is the meeting place for representatives of various ethnicities and religions, creating a special atmosphere of friendship and mutual understanding between different people. In the Year of National Cultures and Traditions the holiday facilitates preservation and development of ethnic and cultural diversity in the republic.

The holiday square first of all welcomes all agricultural workers as it is due to their selfless work that the sowing campaign has been completed successfully, which has laid foundation for future yield and food prosperity of Tatarstan.

Sabantuy gives us a special mood and fills with strength and confidence in tomorrow. In critical time one becomes more aware of the necessity to strengthen our traditional values such as love to Motherland, respect to the elderly and deference to the native language.”

In conclusion Rustam Minnikhanov wished everyone good health, happiness and prosperity.