The festival opened on the main square of the capital of Mordovia – guests from 51 regions of the Russian Federation came here. At that time, national patios and exhibitions of popular crafts were taking place in the adjacent streets and in the lower part of the fountain. Spectators were able to see the gorge of ethnic fashion and evaluate the work of the participants in the “Singing Tree” carving competition.
The start of the art marathon was led by the Minister of Culture of the Russian Federation Olga Lyubimova. In her video message, she emphasized that the preservation of the unique cultural heritage of the peoples of Russia is our common task.
And the famous Russian hockey player with Mordovian roots Alexander Ovechkin began his speech with a national greeting: “Shumbrat!” The Stanley Cup winner wished the region development and prosperity.
The trumpet call of the Mordovian torama marked the beginning of a brilliant theatrical performance. The forum program was attended by young artists, for example, the Kuban Cossack song group “Skrynya”, and well-known masters. One of them, the Donetsk ensemble “Donbass”, is already familiar to the audience in Saransk.
– We remember the affection that we received here last year. We store donated national souvenirs in Mordovia – Tavlin toys, – said the deputy head of the team Nikolai Zakharov. – Our ensemble has been leading its history since 1937. Donbass is also a multinational region, our repertoire includes songs in different languages.
Frequent guests on the Saransk stage are the Moscow group “SADko”. This time, two members of the team – Alexander Likhatsky and Vladimir Makarov – were awarded the title of Honored Artists of Mordovia. A native of Saransk, actor of the Moscow Art Theater. Chekhov Stanislav Duzhnikov became the People’s Artist of the Republic.
– We are great colleagues who organize such a vacation for us. In culture, as in sports, one must constantly exchange experiences, constantly compete, – said the head of the Republic of Moldova, Artem Zdunov. – By the way, whoever likes it in our city, stay here to live, there will be enough work!
In the final, the festival participants performed the song SHAMAN “Let’s get up”. The spectators gathered in the square also picked it up.