XI International Baltic Sabantui ended in Palanga (Lithuania). The main thing is that it has brought communication and acquaintances. The Tatars of Lithuania, Russia (Kaliningrad Region, Republic of Tatarstan, St. Petersburg), Poland, Latvia (from all parts of the republic – Riga, Salaspils, Liepaja, Valmiera, Bauska) representatives of different national communities in Lithuania (mainly of Klaipeda and Palanga) participated in Tatar holiday. Baltic International Sabantui takes place every year in different countries. Place of holding every year is different.

Sabantui started with a parade from the fountains and walked down the main street of the city (see the photos and video). After, everyone came to the place of holding (City Stadium) Sabantui was inaugurated by representatives of Klaipeda society Nur Tatars (head Ilfir Gibadullin) and representatives of the city of Palanga, the Lithuanian Seimas, the Consulate General of Russia, Turkish Embassy, association Z for promotion to Tatar businessmen from Tatarstan.

Then a concert followed. Everyone was especially pleased by presentation of People’s Artist of Tatarstan Iskander Biktagirov and son (Kazan, Tatarstan) and the winner of the international contest of Tatar song “Tatar Mony” (Tatar soul) Dinara Baytemirova (Gatchina, St. Petersburg). They performed their latest songs, and all favorite Tatar folk songs and dances. (Songs in their performance can be found on the Internet, or just go to their concert.)

At the gala concert there were performances by Tatar (in different countries), Russian, Azerbaijani, Belarusian, Armenian, Ukrainian and others artists. All were able to taste the Tatar cuisine, to participate in Tatar folk entertainments and competitions, including kuresh. All took part – children, adults, citizens and guests. It’s nice that more and more people learn about this ancient holiday of plow, Sabantui.

Meeting and chat continued later in the evening and the next day.

The trip from Latvia to 11 Baltic International Sabantui was organized by the Latvian Tatar-Bashkir cultural society “Chishma” (Head Zufar Zaynullin).

Ramil Kadyrov