In the National Unity Day (the 4th of November) in Krasnoufimsk Palace of Culture the first Open Regional Festival of folk Tatar Art «Traditions and customs of the Tatar people» was hold. The choice of this date was not occasional. The organizers wanted to underline that the national unity of Russia — is not only about nationalistic Russian Marches. This is a great celebration for all the citizens, no matter which nationalities they belong to.

The revival of the folk art itself with concerts made by non-professional artists, with competitions between creative groups — is a worthy social tradition rooted in the Soviet Union. At such events our parents become acquainted. Life was getting brighter, and even those who were not professional artist could be involved in art, could feel that their talent was estimated. The respect of the history of our state, a common home for many peoples, was brought up through love to the small people’s original culture. Rallying people around a positive event was the prevention of discord and strife. This was the policy of the state.

Sectarian tensions and exclusion of citizens of other nationalities were annihilated with the ideology of national unity. Now we all live in the same region and in the same country. We are neighbors, friends and even relatives. But we know so little about each other! Society pays so little attention to teach children how to understand and to accept a neighbor. According to this reality — the Festival itself is a noble cause. That’s why the Ministry of Culture of the Sverdlovsk Region, Department of Culture of Krasnoufimsk, the Center of Culture and Leisure of Krasnoufimsk, the fond by A. Abzalov «Little Homeland» supported the Festival’s instigators – the National-Cultural Autonomy of the Tatars of the Sverdlovsk region.

However, the format had to be right. It's not easy to distract our young peolpe from watching Hollywood blockbusters or from social networks. The bet on the bright modern festival was justified. Believing that party atmosphere can attract a new generation, and considering the success of the reality shows, the Organizing Committee had chosen one of the most colorful themes — traditions of Tatar celebrations seen by eyes of non-professional actors such as creative families or groups.

The Festival was attended by 14 teams, it's more than 170 participants. Educational centers, cultural institutions, companies of Sverdlovsk region had been invited to present their talens.

The program consisted of two parts — direct competition and a gala concert. As a masters of ceremony a beautiful young woman and a handsome young man were chosen speaking both Russian and Tatar languages. The Organizing Committee relied on the authoritative opinion of the Jury. It consisted of culture and art leaders and public figures, heads of national autonomies and laureates of international competitions. There was a lot of work but the Jury was trying to select the best and congratulate the brighest.

There were several nominations in which following people were awarded:

Folk group «Sandugach», Gayninsky country club, «the Palace of Culture of Achitsky District» — for the best screenplay;

«Saf Chishma», Lyampinsky country club, «the Palace of Culture of Achitsky District» — for the mastery;

Vocal and dance ensemble «Leysan» from Ekaterinburg — for the scenic culture;

Folklore — vocal ensemble «Nur», Azigulovsky Palace of Culture of Artinskiy urban district — for the vocal skills;

The ensemble «Yash yorekler» ( Young Hearts ), Council of Veterans of Bayakskiy territorial division — for the commitment and love of folk art;

National group of Tatar folk theater «Yalkyn», Srednebugalyshskiy Palace of Culture - for the compliance of the repertoire and image;

Amateur Association «Yashlek» of Ekaterinburg — for the costume;

Creative group «Duslyk», Syzgisky Palace of Culture of Krasnoufimsky urban district — for the quality of music.

The concert program were represented by following teams: the First degree Diploma holders — folklore-ethnographic group «Ak kalfak» and Tatar Theater — Center of Cultural and Leisure, the Second Diploma holders — team of «Ochkyn», ensemble «Yoldyz», the Third degree Diploma holders ensemble «Ryabinushka» and dance ensemble «Yash zhiller» ( Young wind).

At the beginning of the concert Mr. Ladeyshikov — Deputy of the Head of Krasnoufimsk for social policy - made a welcoming speech from government authority. The Organizing Committee thanked him for attention and hoped that the initiative of the National Cultural Autonomy of Tatars of the Sverdlovsk region and its partners would become a trend.

We have a lack of spectacular, beautiful traditions. Those traditions what are able to unite all the inhabitants of the area. Each of us would be happy to have a varied selection of evening activities for the whole family and to spend his leisure time with fun and excitement.

Art and culture have always bore the brunt of the political subtext. It is their social work to serve the interests of the state. And now it’s actual time to talk about promoting the concept of respect, mutual help of peoples to each other. At the site of festivals, concert, theater or other national events, we could teach our children to appreciate and understand people of other nations. Their hospitality, openness and immersion in the most gracious tradition would have saved us from hate and would lead to dialog of cultures, would build a common future unified for all Russian citizens.

R