The "CHUM Street": guests at the National Centre RUSSIA are treated to fish soup and introduced to Yugra's culture
As part of the festive opening programme of the National Centre RUSSIA in Yugra, the "CHUM Street" (chum is a word for traditional conical tent serving as a portable dwelling for some indigenous peoples) was organised for guests. There, three themed areas present the culture and hospitality of the indigenous peoples of the North.
In the Gastronomic Chum, the guests are treated to tea made from taiga herbs, and rich traditional fish soup, named ukha in Russian. It is prepared according to an ancient recipe from broad whitefish (named shchekur in Russian; it is a valuable freshwater fatty fish, common in northern rivers and lakes of Russia), muksun fish (also belonging to the whitefish family) and sturgeon in a large cauldron. The fish soup is served free of charge so that everyone can try the authentic taste of the North. Guests are also served hot tea made from taiga herbs.
"I usually eat fish only at home, when my mum cooks it. But here, the fish soup is just as tasty, and it even smells like a campfire!" shared nine-year-old Misha Yevteyev from Khanty-Mansiysk.
The neighbouring chum immerses guests in the atmosphere of traditional life. They are greeted by Lyudmila Alfyorova, the Commissioner for the Rights of Indigenous Minorities in Yugra. She introduces the structure of the chum, elements of daily life, and the cultural legacy of the peoples of the North.
"The uniqueness of the National Centre RUSSIA is that it gives a voice to every region, including the indigenous peoples. This is one more space where we can show our culture and talk about it. Thanks to the National Centre, guests from across the country and abroad will be able not only to learn about the legacy of Yugra but also to become its guardians," said Lyudmila Alfyorova.
In the photo zone, visitors can take memorable pictures with a team of reindeer. Visitors can also test themselves in traditional northern pastimes: stick pulling, jumping over sledges (called narty), lasso throwing (tynzyan) on a pole (khorey), and solving tricky rope puzzles.
"Everything here is authentic: you can try ukha, play national games, and simply feel how alive and hospitable Yugra is. That's exactly what we at the National Centre RUSSIA are for — to give people an opportunity to take away emotions and vivid memories," said Anton Pilipas, head of the National Centre RUSSIA in Yugra.
Branches of the National Centre RUSSIA are opening in all regions by order of the President of Russia Vladimir Putin. The main mission of this project is to demonstrate the unity and achievements of our country. Yesterday, the National Centre RUSSIA opened in the Krasnoyarsk region, and today — in the Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area — Yugra. Through multimedia expositions, guests of the National Centre will get acquainted with the culture, nature, and economic potential of Yugra. Tours can be taken free of charge with prior registration on the website.
