R.Minnikhanov: "Today we are all together on the same maidan of culture, sport and...

(Kazan, KZN.RU, June 21, by Adel Galiyev). Kazan has celebrated the Tatar national holiday Sabantuy. President Rustam Minnikhanov, Prime Minister Ildar Khalikov and Mayor of Kazan Ilsur Metshin, as well as guests:  secretary of the Russian Security Council Nikolai Patrushev, Mayor of Istanbul Kadir Topbas, Sverdlovsk Region Governor Yevgeny Kuyvashev among others visited the principal site of the festival – the Birchwood Grove in the settlement of Mirny.

Before entering the main square, the artistic teams from 11 municipal districts of the republic opened the gates of the rural farmsteads to show the guests the unique culture and traditions of the peoples living in Tatarstan. At each of these farmsteads, the guests were greeted by singing and dancing artists dressed in national costumes. Families with children could take part in the competitions and contests.

"Sabantuy is the most beautiful holiday of the Tatar people," said Rustam Minnikhanov and hoped that the celebration would leave only good memories. He welcomed all the guests, including those from foreign countries and colleagues from other regions. "Today we are on the same maidan. That's how it should be: sports, culture, friendship and hospitality," said the head of the republic and wished everyone good health, happiness and prosperity.

Ilsur Metshin also wished all those present a happy national holiday. On a day when the city celebrated Sabantuy - "plow's feast" - the mayor of Kazan drew attention to the weather change. "The feeling of joy on account of good weather and the plentiful rains that fell in the Republic of Tatarstan overwhelms us,"  said the mayor. Ilsur Metshin also noted that Sabantuy was attended by representatives from 61 countries who gathered in Kazan for the International Security Forum.