On June 7, the III International Irtysh Sabantuy took place in Surgut, gathering over 50,000 people on the central city square. The event was attended by representatives from various regions, including Yugra, Tatarstan, Bashkortostan, Omsk, Tyumen, and Kurgan oblasts, as well as performers from China.

Present at the festival were the Governor of Yugra, Ruslan Kukharuk, and the Mayor of Surgut, Maxim Slepov, who took great interest in getting to know the local craftspeople and tried chak-chak, demonstrating their support for the region’s cultural diversity. Their appearance in skullcaps (tubeteikas) became a vivid symbol of respect for traditions.

One of the main culinary masterpieces of Sabantuy was an edible castle made of chak-chak, prepared especially for the celebration. Craftswomen presented a one-ton chak-chak, which all willing guests could try completely free of charge.

The absolute batyr (hero) and champion of Sabantuy was Aynur Syrtaev.

Rosalia Sabitova, NGO “NKAT of Surgut”