Chuvash national holiday Akatuy was celebrated at the RUSSIA EXPO

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One of the most important national holidays of the Chuvash people, which has come into modern life from the depths of centuries, was celebrated at the RUSSIA EXPO. Visitors to the Exposition participated in a festive procession and the "Friendship Round Dance," sampled traditional Chuvash dishes, attended masterclasses, concerts and puppet shows, and enjoyed an unforgettable experience at the kereshu belt wrestling tournament.

The Akatuy holiday, dedicated to the end of spring fieldwork, symbolizes love for the land, labor, Motherland and brings together people of all ages and professions, immersing them in creative work, culture and sports.

"Today, we have covered the entire VDNH venue with Akatuy. Our task is to thank nature in our national traditions for allowing us to plant everything we planned. We are asking God to help us grow and harvest it, just as our ancestors did, and we will continue to do everything so that our children will do the same. This is where the strength of our Russia, our Russian world, lies. Our President constantly reminds us of this," noted the Head of the Chuvash Republic, Oleg Nikolaev.

The festive program started with a kereshu national wrestling tournament, which has been included in the All-Russian Sports Register since 2006. More than 50 athletes from both Chuvashia and other regions participated in the belt wrestling competitions with centuries-old traditions. Awards were contested in four weight categories — 70, 80, 90 and over 90 kg.

The celebration continued with a colorful costumed procession featuring songs and dances performed by folk and folklore ensembles of the republic. The column started at the Main Arch of VDNH and ended the lively and colorful parade with a massive round dance involving spectators and honored guests. At the same location, Exposition visitors explored the symbolic "Field of Traditions" and appreciated the vibrant theatrical performances of national rituals such as "Chuvash Wedding", "Green Gold" and "Harvest Festival".

As part of the official opening ceremony of Akatuy on the Main Street Stage, there was an award ceremony for state honors and acknowledgments for contributions to the preservation and development of Chuvash national culture, as well as tributes to the heroes of the Special Military Operation.

"Dear friends, fellow countrymen! Let me congratulate you on this wonderful holiday! Today, we praise Chuvashia and express our gratitude to our Motherland. As a doctor currently heading a federal service here in Moscow, I want to express my thanks to the Chuvash land. It has produced many excellent doctors working not only in the Chuvash Republic but far beyond its borders. And today, it is doubly pleasant for me to do this, as tomorrow is Medical Workers' Day. Our Chuvashia has a bright and healthy future," noted Alla Samoylova, Head of the Federal Service for Surveillance in Healthcare.

At the "House of Russian Cuisine", guests of the holiday participated in masterclasses on Chuvash cuisine. Outdoors, everyone was treated to farm sausages, cheeses, sweets and other products that make up the traditional Chuvash meal.

The grand celebration of Akatuy concluded on the Main Street Stage of the Exposition: visitors enjoyed a vibrant concert featuring the State Song and Dance Ensemble of Chuvashia, the ensembles "Syaval", "Sespel","Yardy" and other artists and groups.