The first Sabantuy of 2025 — the 6th Southern Sabantuy — took place in grand fashion on May 3 in the city of Sochi. It officially launched hundreds of national celebrations that will be held this year across 62 regions of the Russian Federation and in 38 countries worldwide. For one day, a scenic coastal venue became a vibrant center of Tatar culture, spirituality, and unity. Delegations from more than 30 regions of Russia took part in the festivities.

“The bright and hospitable Sabantuy reflects the richness and diversity of Tatar culture, uniting our compatriots living in the most distant corners of the planet,”
said Danis Shakirov, Head of the Executive Committee of the World Congress of Tatars and Deputy of the State Council of the Republic of Tatarstan, while reading a greeting from Tatarstan Rais (Head of State) Rustam Minnikhanov.

Visitors enjoyed: traditional Tatar games, the national wrestling style Koresh, masterclasses in preparing tokmach (noodle soup) and chak-chak (sweet pastry), authentic Tatar tea, brewed following recipes of the great educator Kayum Nasyri.

A special exhibition dedicated to the 200th anniversary of Kayum Nasyri — a thinker, scholar, and reformer — was also presented.

This year’s Sabantuy was organized by the Zelenodolsk District of the Republic of Tatarstan. The team, led by District Head Mikhail Afanasyev, received widespread appreciation from the audience and event guests.

“This Sabantuy is a significant event for the entire Tatar world. I thank the Sochi administration, the local Tatar national-cultural autonomy, and of course the World Congress of Tatars for their incredible efforts,”
Afanasyev said in his speech.

The event united not only lovers of national traditions but also honored guests. A highlight of the day was 97-year-old Colonel Umid Sadykovich Gubaev from Armavir, a participant in the 1945 Victory Parade, who conducted a military orchestra from the stage — becoming a living symbol of intergenerational continuity.

“People like him are the embodiment of our history. Through them, we feel the unbroken chain of generations,”
noted Almaz Khaliullin, Head of Special Projects for the World Congress of Tatars.

Among the guests were Heroes of Russia, including: Damir Yusupov, a civilian pilot from Yekaterinburg, Colonel Rustam Saifullin, a participant in the special military operation from Tyumen.

The most unexpected moment of the event was the official announcement that in 2026, Sabantuy will be held for the first time in Abkhazia. The news, delivered by Daura Kove, the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Abkhazia, was met with enthusiastic applause:

“Abkhazia and Tatarstan have much in common. We have a large Tatar diaspora, and we will gladly host this beautiful and deeply meaningful holiday,”
he said.

The festive evening concluded with a concert featuring: Zainab Fakhretdinova, People’s Artist of Tatarstan, the folk group Zakaria, the Bermyanchek ensemble and other stars of Tatar pop music

The Southern Sabantuy in Sochi was not just the first celebration of the season—it became a symbol of renewed spiritual energy, unity, and pride of the Tatar people. Ahead lie hundreds of events, each carrying its own mission, meaning, and warmth.