News

For the first time in Penza Oblast, the International Festival of Ethnic Arts “Abashev Patterns”, initiated by Governor Oleg Melnichenko, was held.
On August 1 and 2, the festival welcomed visitors in Penza. Circular dances and quadrilles, traditional games and folk costumes, the cuisine of the peoples of Penza Oblast, and a craft fair, as well as performances by local ensembles and ethnic and folk artists from Russia and other countries, were all organized at Jubilee Square.
“It is important, especially at the present time, to engage with our cultural code, national traditions, everyday life, folk music, ethnic costumes, and language,” emphasized Larisa Ryabikhina, Deputy Chair of the Government of Penza Oblast.
Creative groups from the oblast and invited artists from India, Algeria, Cuba, Bashkortostan, Armenia, Khakassia, Moldova, Moscow, St. Petersburg, Tambov, Mordovia, Kazan, Samara, Vologda, and Kalachinsk performed for residents of Penza Oblast and its guests.
“Everyone could find something special: listen to music, try national cuisine, play traditional games, and buy souvenirs. When developing the festival concept, we aimed to reflect the cultures of the peoples inhabiting Penza Oblast. However, the scope expanded so much that other cultures, their melodies and rhythms, are also represented here,” noted Sergey Bychkov, Minister of Culture and Tourism of Penza Oblast.
The festival’s final day took place in the birthplace of the famous Abashev toy—in Spassky District. At the park-hotel Maple Grove, visitors were introduced to folk games, and all who wished could participate in master classes on toy making and painting, as well as macramé weaving.
Over the three days, more than 10,000 residents and guests of Penza Oblast attended the festival. Live broadcasts of the performances were watched in 50 regions across Russia.
Photo and information provided by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Penza Oblast.